TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The University of Alabama is participating in International Education Week at the behest of Secretary of State Colin L. Powell and Secretary of Education Rod Paige. The week-long celebration is a joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education to promote programs that prepare Americans for a global environment and attract future leaders from abroad to study, learn and exchange experiences in the United States.

The theme for the week is “Securing the Future through Educational and Cultural Exchanges.” Bill Wallace, director of UA’s English Language Institute, said international programs at the University are extremely important. ELI has been a part of UA since 1982 and has actively welcomed international students to Tuscaloosa each year.

“We teach them English so they’re ready for University classes, as well as familiarize them with American culture,” Wallace said. “The UA Capstone International Center is also trying to encourage more UA students to study abroad, and one way of accomplishing this goal is by increasing the interaction between international students and American students.”

Wallace also said that since Sept. 11, 2001, State Department policies for international students have become much more conservative. Delays and restrictions are having an effect on the number of international students who are choosing to study in the United States.

“We’re losing students to Canada and other nations, which in the long-term could hurt our country’s position as the No. 1 country for study abroad.”

There will be many events at UA during the week, including Brown Bag lunches in the Ferguson Center on Wednesday and Thursday noon until 1 p.m. On Wednesday there will be a Fulbright Faculty/Staff Workshop from 1-3 p.m. in the Ferguson Center Forum followed by a Fulbright Reception from 3-4 p.m. in the Anderson Room of the Ferguson Center.

On Thursday beginning at 1 p.m. at the Japan Culture and Information Center, 210 Research Drive (behind Shelby Hall), there will be programs on Japanese gift-wrapping and box making, tie-dying, calligraphy and manners in Japan. On Friday, international students will gather for International Coffee Hour from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. in 121 B.B. Comer Hall.

To help the public learn more about the economic impact international students have on each region of the country and why industry professionals are worried about declining enrollment, visit http://internationaleducationmatters.org. This site has been launched by the Consortium of University and College Intensive English Programs (UCIEP) and the American Association of Intensive English Programs (AAIEP).

For more information, call the Capstone International Center at 348-5312. All-week exhibits include “Exploring the World” in the display cases in Ferguson Center and “Celebration of International Women” in the Women's Resource Center on the third floor of Russell Hall, including an exhibit in the WRC library featuring books about international women. For a complete schedule, go to the web site at http://international.ua.edu/iew2003.html.