International

   COLUMBUS -- In a concerted effort to focus on the need for expanded international programs throughout the nation's educational system, The Ohio State University will join colleges and universities across the country in celebrating the first-ever U.S. International Education Week, Nov. 13 through 17.

Educators, government officials and business leaders worry that the United States continues to lag behind the rest of the world in preparing its graduates for an increasingly globalized world, said Jerry Ladman, associate provost for international affairs.

"Understanding global issues and markets is fundamental to today's educated graduate," Ladman said. "For this reason, universities like Ohio State must provide varied and multiple opportunities to give their students an international perspective no matter what their field of study.

"Times are definitely changing, and we're committed to preparing our graduates for the global economy in which they will work, and for the multicultural society in which they will live."

This weeklong observance is part of a renewed emphasis on international education launched last April by the Department of Education and the State Department. At that time, President Clinton signed an Executive Memorandum on International Education, which directed the heads of government agencies to work together and, with other sectors, to strengthen America's commitment to international education.

"I strongly believe that the growth of democracy, economic prosperity and economic stability throughout the world is linked to the advance of education," Secretary of Education Richard W. Riley recently said. "This is one of the strongest reasons the United States should have an active and strong international education agenda."

The memorandum called for expanded federal support and cooperation to increase foreign language skills, infuse international elements across the curriculum, encourage student exchange and promote the use of technology to expand educational opportunities.

Ohio State has a long history in international education and is known as an outstanding international university, Ladman said. It is the mission of the university's Office of International Affairs to work centrally to organize and coordinate all of the university's international programs and activities, and to advocate for internationalization throughout the institution.

Ohio State's faculty and academic programs are highly respected worldwide, as evidenced by active collaborative agreements with more than 200 universities around the globe. The university offers instruction in 32 foreign languages and is home to one of only seven National Foreign Language Resource Centers.

There are six area studies centers, with the Middle East Center, the East Asian Center, the Slavic and East European Center, and the Latin American Center receiving federal funds through Title VI. Ohio State enrolls 4,046 students from 130 countries; sends 1,100 students abroad for academic study every year; and hosts 1,200 foreign visiting scholars and researchers on an annual basis.

The university's colleges and departments internationalize their curricula and coordinate outreach activities through entities such as International Programs in Agriculture and the Center for International Business, Education and Research (CIBER). Hundreds of students take courses with an international focus and major in International Studies through the Undergraduate International Studies Program. Many more students gain an international experience through co-curricular activities and international residence halls on campus.

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