News Article

The International Student Union and International Student Programs at Gonzaga University will celebrate International Education Week from Nov. 13-17 with two enriching cultural events that are open to the public.

* Starting off the festivities will be “Saudi Night” at 5 p.m., Monday, Nov. 13, in the Globe Room of Cataldo Hall. The evening will be filled with music, pictures and dancing. For a mere $1, participants can enjoy a Saudi Arabian meal as well as a presentation on Saudi Arabian culture. For more information, contact Sara Varela at (509) 323-6560.

*At 7 p.m., Wednesday (Nov. 15), native Nigerian Mohammed Umar, Gonzaga’s Fulbright Language Teaching Assistant, will speak on the topic: “Nigeria: The Giant of Africa” in the Wolff Auditorium at the Jepson Center for the School of Business Administration. A question-and-answer session will follow. Nigeria, despite its size, is one of the most complex countries in Africa with its large population and rich cultural and ethnic diversity. Umar is a linguist who specializes in phonology. He is a student, teacher, and cultural ambassador from Bauchi, Nigeria and has a degree in linguistics from the University of Maidugiri in Bomo, Nigeria. Umar is eager to share his knowledge with the Gonzaga community.

Since 1968, the FLTA Program has aimed to strengthen foreign language instruction at U.S. educational institutions by establishing a native speaker presence. The FLTA Program provides an opportunity for young, international teachers of English to refine their teaching skills, increase their English language proficiency and extend their knowledge of the cultures and customs of the United States while engaging in non-degree studies. FLTAs add an energetic and up-to-date cultural component to foreign language classes as well as to student life on U.S. campuses. This interaction makes studying and learning languages much more meaningful and real.