Metro Vancouver, B.C. – From basket weaving to Israeli dancing, International Focus Week at Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) will celebrate multiculturalism through art, culture and education with a series of public events.
Each year, universities in over 100 countries around the world commemorate International Focus Week – known widely as International Education Week (IEW). Held Nov. 16-20, IEW showcases the impact of international education, and at KPU, a variety of activities will highlight how international learning creates global citizens ready to thrive in and contribute to increasingly multicultural communities.
“International Focus Week is a chance for KPU to showcase our multiculturalism and diversity in a very positive light. In today’s increasingly competitive workforce, employers are looking for graduates with cross-cultural sensitivity and globally focused leadership skills," said Stuart McIlmoyle, KPU's associate vice-president international.
"KPU has recently developed an internationalization plan which successfully maps out our direction as an institution within a global context. We invite anyone who is interested in understanding more about KPU to come and participate in this year’s International Focus Week."
Events will be hosted at KPU’s Richmond, Surrey and Langley campuses, and include Tai Chi demonstrations, a Chinese cultural showcase, Henna tattoo art, a Middle Eastern café, student presentations on their Amazon field school experiences and much, much more.
An opening ceremony on Nov. 16 at 11 a.m. will kick off the week with a speech from McIlmoyle. Other guest speakers include Dr. Salvador Ferreras, KPU’s provost and vice-president academic; Acting Mayor for Richmond Linda McPhail; Tanya Grand, director of operations and programs at the B.C. Council for International Education, and; KPU student Joseph Watson-Mackay, who spent three semesters abroad at a partner university in Japan.
A full schedule of events is available at kpu.ca/ifw. For more information, contact internationalprograms@kpu.ca.
Kwantlen Polytechnic University has served the Metro Vancouver region since 1981, and has opened doors to success for more than 200,000 learners. Four campuses—Richmond, Surrey, Cloverdale and Langley—offer a comprehensive range of sought-after programs in business, liberal arts, design, health, science and horticulture, trades and technology, and academic and career advancement. Over 19,000 students annually have a choice from over 120 programs, including bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, diplomas, certificates, citations and apprenticeships. Learn more at kpu.ca.
Media contact:
Hayley Woodin
Media Specialist
t: 604.599.2883
c: 604.364.1288
hayley.woodin@kpu.ca
For more KPU news:
@KPUmedia
kpu.ca/newsroom
Flickr