Judith Udeke immigrated to the United States seven years ago with her family from Nigeria, a country she describes as crime-ridden and run by leaders who “need to get their act together.” But the engineering senior has hope for her native country and said she will one day contribute to the change she feels Nigeria desperately needs. It is this goal that led her to help create the Nigerian Students Organization this past April for Nigerians and members of other nationalities who have an interest in the discussion and active resolution of Nigeria’s problems. Udeke and about 10 to 15 members of NSO will be in Free Speech Alley on Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. offering hair braiding in celebration of International Education Week. “I know one thing that varies greatly across cultures is female hair,” Udeke said. “It’s a fun way to share our culture.” Created by the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education in 2000, International Education Week is observed annually nationwide the week before Thanksgiving and in more than 100 countries worldwide. The week is meant to unite people of all cultures in hopes of educating one another, promoting acceptance of differences and encouraging study and travel abroad in an age where professional success increasingly relies on knowledge and acceptance of other languages and cultures. Today marks the first day of International Education Week, which ends Friday. The International Studies Society is hosting celebrations under the guidance of Jane Chandler, director of the Office of International Development. Organizations such as Residential Life, the Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures, the Faculty Senate’s International Education Committee, the International Cultural Center, the Nigerian Students Organization, international and American students and professors are all participating in events. This week will feature open discussions, live entertainment and international food. “The idea is to think globally, act locally,” said Amy Triche, co-president of the International Studies Society. Chandler, who has been working with the Society since August in preparation for this week, said because about 1 percent of the University’s American students study abroad and international students make up 4 percent of the University’s student population, only 5 percent can leave the University knowing how to act in a culture that is different from their own. “I hope this week will help students understand why it’s important to pursue knowledge of other cultures so they can make a better professional, social and personal contribution to the world,” Chandler said.
—-Contact Olivia Hernandez at [email protected]