Western University’s International Week 2014 takes flight today with campus-wide events allowing the Western community to celebrate diversity and explore international opportunities. Running from November 10-14, International Week allows the entire campus community to learn about international education and other cultures, as well as programs and initiatives with a global focus. With a festival atmosphere, the week will feature cultural experiences, panel discussions, presentations, workshops, displays, tours and other activities designed to inspire students, faculty, and staff to build their cross-cultural skills and become more globally aware. “Engagement with Western’s international activities here on campus and abroad is important to the development of cross-cultural literacies,” says Julie McMullin, Western’s Vice-Provost (International). “International Week is a chance for us to come together as a university community and to learn from one another by participating in the wide range of global and intercultural experiences that are being organized across the campus.” International Week’s Opening Event is open to the public and features a performance and keynote address from critically acclaimed, award-winning recording artist Shad. Born in Kenya to Rwandan parents and raised in London, Ontario, Shad has nurtured a broad range of interests and experiences since his formative years, including a passion for music. He will speak about his perspective on internationalization and what it means to be globally aware and then transition into a performance. For the full schedule and event details visit [www.internationalweek.uwo.ca](http://www.internationalweek.uwo.ca/) Highlights of International Week include: Opening Event featuring Shad Nov. 10, 5:30pm at Alumni Hall All ages show, open to the public. Tickets $10. Available in advance or at the door.For details visit: Medieval Day Nov. 11, 9am to 5:30pm, International and Graduate Affairs Atrium A celebration of literature, arts and more featuring performances, fencing, lecture and displays Schedule of events at World’s Challenge Challenge Nov. 11, 4pm - 7 pm, Mustang Lounge, University Community Centre Student teams compete to present their unique solution to a global issue. Members of the winning team receive a $1,000 scholarship towards an international learning experience. International Learning Panel – Why Does It Matter? Nov. 12, 10am – 12pm, Mckellar Room, University Community Centre Hear five different perspectives, including President Chakma, as well as faculty, staff, student and community leaders Africa/Western Collaboration Day Nov. 12, 3pm - 7pm, International and Graduate Affairs Atrium Displays from The Africa Institute, Western Heads East, The African Canadian Federation of London and Area and the African Community (ACFOLA) council and African music and dance. International Learning Fair Nov. 13, 10am – 3pm, University Community Centre Atrium Students can speak with exchange students from Western’s partner institutions around the world and explore other opportunities for International Learning Journeys of Migration Nov. 13, 3:30pm, USC Chambers, University Community Centre, Rm 315 A unique celebration of London’s cultural diversity and immigrant role models within our community Western Goes Global Cultural Showcase Nov. 13, 4pm – 7pm, Mustang Lounge, University Community Centre Join student performers, cultural clubs and community associations for a cultural festival and celebration Songs of Many Lands Nov. 14, 1:30-2:30 pm, von Kuster Hall, Don Wright Faculty of Music Vocal performances by music students from Taiwan, Syria, Colombia, Argentina, Québec, Mexico, China and Russia MEDIA CONTACT: Stephen Ledgley, Senior Media Relations Officer, 519-661-2111, ext. 85283, [sledgley@uwo.ca]({site_url('mailto:sledgley@uwo.ca')}) or Kris Dundas, Western International, 519-661-2111, ext. 81064, [kdundas2@uwo.ca](<{site_url('mailto: kdundas2@uwo.ca')}>) ABOUT WESTERN Western delivers an academic experience second to none. Since 1878, The Western Experience has combined academic excellence with life-long opportunities for intellectual, social and cultural growth in order to better serve our communities. Our research excellence expands knowledge and drives discovery with real-world application. Western attracts individuals with a broad worldview, seeking to study, influence and lead in the international community.