The University of Missouri-Rolla will sponsor several free cultural and informational events Nov. 15-19 in observance of International Education Week.

The U.S. State and Education departments have designated Nov. 14-20 International Education Week "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 UMR office of international affairs will sponsor the following International Education Week events. Unless otherwise indicated, all programs will be held in the UMR Southwestern Bell Cultural Center, 1207 N. Elm St.

* 4-6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 15, a Tastes of the World Cultural Fair, which will feature cultural exhibitions and snacks from different parts of the world. The office of international affairs is co-sponsoring this event with the UMR International Student Club.

* 6:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 15, Rolla Mayor Joseph Morgan will sign a proclamation for International Education Week during the City Council meeting held at the Eugene Northern Community Hall, 400 W. Fourth St.

* 7 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 16, the UMR Film Series will show "Osama," the first film made in Afghanistan by an Afghani director following the fall of the Taliban regime. The movie will be shown in Leach Theatre of Castleman Hall, 10th and Main streets in Rolla.

* Noon-1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 17, a panel discussion will feature recent study abroad participants who answer questions about their experiences. Cory Demieville, junior in computer science and president of UMR’s student chapter of International Association for Exchange Students for Technical Experience (IAESTE), will discuss international internship opportunities.

* Noon-1 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 18, a panel discussion, moderated by Dr. Can Saygin, assistant professor engineering management at UMR, will feature international faculty at UMR who will discuss making the most of the UMR college experience, professional success and difficulties faced upon their arrival in the United States.

* 7-9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 19, an International Talent Showcase in the Ozark Actors Theatre, 701 N. Cedar St. The office of international affairs is co-sponsoring this event with Rolla’s Sister City Association.

In addition, Dr. Greg Stratman, adjunct assistant professor and coordinator of the Applied Language Institute (ALI) at UMR, and ALI students will provide educational outreach to local schools during International Education Week.

For more information about these activities, contact the UMR international affairs office at (573) 341-4208 or by email at ia@mst.edu .