November 11, 2003

Panel Discussion Features International Business Experts

International business and trade experts — including Boise State faculty and representatives from the Canadian Consulate, state government, local industry and a fair trade organization — will discuss the importance of internationalizing business education and the impact of international education on the future of the economy in the state of Idaho and the nation. The discussion will take place at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 18, in the Hatch Ballroom in the Student Union. Boise State President Bob Kustra will give opening remarks, and Extended Studies dean Michael Stockstill will moderate. The panel discussion is a keystone event for International Education Week 2003, Nov. 17-21. This year’s theme is “Enhancing International Education for Economic Recovery and Development.” International Education Week was designated by the U.S. Department of State and Department of Education to emphasize global understanding through international education and exchange. The week is celebrated at universities around the nation and U.S. embassies around the world. Locally, organizers hope to increase international and intercultural awareness among Boise State students, faculty and staff as well as local business leaders, teachers, state government staff and community members in general. Events will emphasize the importance of cross-cultural communication skills and international experience to students who will enter an extremely competitive job market that highly prizes international experience and will highlight the importance of other nations and cultures to Idaho’s economic recovery and future growth. Other presentations will address travel health issues, the inclusion of Eastern European nations in the EU, promoting cultural awareness through children’s and young adult literature and many other topics. The week will also include a booth by Ten Thousand Villages, performances by Boise State international students highlighting their cultures, information sessions regarding international opportunities for students, faculty and staff, foreign films, slide shows, the Ambassadors of Comedy, and an English as a Second Language conference. All events are free, open to the public and address a diverse audience. For more information, or to obtain a complete schedule of events, visit www.boisestate.edu/international, call 426-3652, e-mail internationalinfo@boisestate.edu or stop by the International Programs office, 1136 Euclid Ave., Boise. -30- Contact Christy Babcock or Susan Hopkins International Programs Office 426-3652 Media Contact Sherry Squires communications and marketing 426-1563