International student Tasmia Ijaz, of Pakistan, decorates student Audrey Howard’s arm with henna tattoos at Shawnee State University’s International Education week. Tables were set up to showcase international talents and expand cultural literacy on Wednesday, Nov. 14 as one of the many cultural events during the week, sponsored by the Center for International Programs and Activities (CIPA).

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Shawnee State University celebrated the 13th annual International Education Week, beginning on Monday, Nov. 12. This year’s theme was “International Education: Striving for a Healthier Future Worldwide.”

Overseen by the U.S. State Department as well as the Department of Education, International Education Week was first held in 2000 and is now celebrated in more than 100 countries. The annual event strives to promote international understanding and encourage participation in exchange programs.

According to the International Education Week website, “Exchanges are critical to developing mutual understanding and respect, building leadership abroad, fostering an appreciation for the U.S., and investing in the future relationship between Americans and people around the world.”

Throughout the week, SSU students “got the scoop on” study abroad in exchange for ice cream, participated in an African drum circle and listened to an International Poetry Reading with Assistant Professor Neil Carpathios.

At Wednesday’s International Talent Table, students learned how to eat with chopsticks, how to fold paper for origami and how to write Arabic, among other things from different countries.

The event is sponsored by SSU’s Center for International Programs and Activities to showcase international talents and expand cultural literacy.