Hawaii Community College Liberal Arts student Caitlyn Christensen (center) learns calligraphy during an International Education Week workshop. (Photo courtesy of Hawaii CC)

MEDIA RELEASE

Hawaii Community College celebrated the rich cultural diversity of its campus community Nov. 13-14 by hosting its 5th Annual International Education Week celebration.

More than 80 international students from countries as varied as Nepal, France, Japan and Russia are currently enrolled in Hawaii CC programs. When domestic and international students are combined, more than 40 national heritages are represented at the college.

In addition, Hawaii CC recently increased its commitment to internationalizing the campus and curriculum by becoming part of the American Council on Education’s 11th Internationalization Laboratory Cohort.

“By internationalizing our campus and helping students study abroad, we provide students with the skills and knowledge they need to successfully compete in an increasingly global community,” said Elizabeth Niemeyer, a counselor at Hawaii CC and member of the International Education Committee. “International Education Week is a chance to celebrate our diversity and to highlight the importance of a global outlook.”

International students also benefit Hawaii Island economically. In the 2012-2013 academic year, international students at Hawaii CC contributed $1.5 million to the Hawaii Island economy through tuition, fees and living expenses, according to an annual report by NAFSA: Association of International Educators. Statewide, the economic impact is $108 million, according to the report.

The theme this year for International Education Week at Hawaii CC was “Global Sense” with activities focused on experiencing the world through the five senses.

Events included an International Tea and Coffee Tasting, Calligraphy Demonstrations, a Mochi Pounding Demonstration, and presentations by faculty members who have worked abroad.

Students at the University of Hawaii Center, West Hawaii in Kealakekua also celebrated International Education Week with a recipe exchange, a Portuguese horseshoe competition, and student presentations on how their heritage has influenced their lives.