KU international students raise profile

At a time when the world is in turmoil, Kansas University’s international students want to be understood.

The International Student Assn. this week is having a series of events for its 51st annual International Awareness Week.

“We always try to invite the Lawrence community to these,” said Cindy Yeo, a junior from Singapore. “We’re just trying to reach out to everyone.”

Several popular events will return this year. They include the International Fashion Show and African Dance, which will be from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday in the fourth-floor lobby of the Kansas Union.

Also returning is the World Expo from noon to 5 p.m. Friday in the Kansas Union Ballroom, where international students from about 50 countries will set up displays on their cultures.

Other events scheduled this week:

l “Muslim Women in America,” speech by Saadia Malik, graduate research assistant in African and African-American studies, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. today, Alderson Auditorium in the Kansas Union.

l “Picture the World: International Photography Contest” opening reception, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. today at the Lawrence Public Library auditorium.

l Salsa dancing workshop, 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Kansas Union Ballroom.

l “My Experience in Iraq,” presentation by Scott Harding, assistant professor of social welfare who traveled earlier this year to Iraq, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday in the Big 12 Room of the Kansas Union.

l Soccer tournament, with teams of international students representing their countries, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Robinson Field.

l “Festival of Nations,” with performances by people from other countries, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday at Woodruff Auditorium in the Kansas Union.