ATHENS, Ohio -- Ohio University's 20th Annual International Week begins May 13 with the theme "Experience Our World." Sponsored by International Student Union with support by the Office of International Student and Faculty Services, and the International Week Planning Committee, the celebration runs May 13 through 18 and has more than 35 organizations participating.

"The goal of this year's International Week is to allow the community to sample the various international cultures represented at Ohio University," said Associate Director of International Student and Faculty Services David Tilahun. "In celebration of the 20th anniversary, the street fair has been expanded to allow more participation. The amount of fairgoers has steadily increased and this year should be no different."

The week begins on Monday with the keynote address by president and CEO of the Institute of International Education Allan Goodman. His lecture begins at 8 p.m. at Morton Hall 235 and is titled "The Future of International Education: A View from Ground Zero." Prior to becoming president of the IIE in July 1998, he served as executive dean and professor of international affairs at Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service.

Also speaking during the week is scholar and film producer Elizabeth Fernia. She will present "Historical Reconstruction and Existential Memories: A Neighborhood in Egypt" at 8 p.m. Wednesday, May 15, at 237 Morton Hall.

At 6 p.m., Friday, May 17, in the Friends of the Library room inside Alden Library, a panel of Ohio University Fulbright Scholars will discuss, "Democracy in the Third-World Countries: Multiple Perspectives."

On Saturday, May 18, the International Street Fair will take place on Court Street from noon to 6 p.m. The fair provides a relaxed outdoor atmosphere for the community to enjoy the music, food and art of many international cultures. The fair will include a flag parade, dancing, live music and comments from Ohio University President Robert Glidden and Athens Mayor Ric Abel.

The week culminates at 6 p.m. Saturday night with a benefit dinner for Afghan relief at First Christian Church located at 24 W. State Street. The dinner will feature Afghani food and music with the proceeds going to Oxfam and Doctors without Borders to support their work with Afghan refugees. Reservations must be made by May 15 by calling (740) 448-3071.

For more information about International Week, contact Associate Director of International Student Services David Tilahun at (740) 593-4330 or tilahun@ohio.edu.  

The schedule for Ohio University's 2002 International Week: "Experience Our World" is as follows:

Monday, May 13
Keynote Speaker

Morton Hall 235, 8 p.m.
Dr. Allan E. Goodman, Director of the Institute for International Education will present the keynote address, "The Future of International Education: A View From Ground Zero."

Tuesday, May 14
International Talent Show

School of Music, Recital Hall, 8 p.m.
Sponsored by International Student Union, International Student and Faculty Services and School of Music

Wednesday, May 15
"A World of Possibilities Through Ohio University"

1804 Lounge, Baker University Center, 6 to 7 p.m.
Come and learn about Ohio University students' overseas experience. Sponsored by the Office of Education Abroad

The Gifford B. Doxsee North African Studies Lecture

Morton Hall 237, 8 p.m.
Elizabeth Fernia, distinguished scholar in North Africa and the Middle East and documentary film producer, will present "Historical Reconstruction and Existential Memories: A neighborhood in Egypt." Sponsored by African Studies

Thursday, May 16
Free International Dance Lessons

Corner Room, Baker University Center, 7 to 9 p.m.
Learn salsa, mambo, samba and more

International Photo Exhibits

1954 Lounge, Baker University Center on May 16-18, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Scenic snap shots by the university community will be displayed.

Friday, May 17
Fulbright Scholars Panel Discussion

the Friends of the Library room, 319 Alden, 6 p.m.
A panel of Ohio University Fulbright Scholars will discuss, "Democracy in the Third-World Countries: Multiple Perspectives."

Midnight International Film

The Athena Cinema, Court Street, midnight

"Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" showing sponsored by ISU and UPC

Saturday, May 18
International Street Fair

Court Street, noon to 6 p.m.
Join the parade of world flags with live entertainment. International organizations and community groups will have booths and present various cultural performances. The fair also will feature authentic cuisine and display arts and crafts from around the world.

Benefit Dinner for Afghan Relief

First Christian Church, 24 W. State Street, 6 p.m.
Share Afghani food and music in return for a generous donation to the work of Oxfam and Doctors without Borders among Afghan refugees. Reservations required by May 15. Call (740) 448-3071.
Sponsored by People for Peace and Justice, and the Appalachian Peace and Justice Network.