Flags from different countries line the bridge in front of the Guillott University Center to mark the beginning of International Education Week.

International Education Week is an annual event for students to showcase their heritage. This event lasts. Nov. 13-16 and different countries all over the world observe it.

Coordinator for International Student Success Cala Flippo said International Education Week is an important opportunity for students to expose themselves to different cultures and lifestyles.

“Sometimes domestic students (students from the U.S.) might not be aware of how much they can learn from an international student,” Flippo said. “We can learn as much from them as they can learn from us.”

UNA has participated in this event for as many years as she remembers, Flippo said.

Flippo said she is glad this is a week more college campuses are participating in after U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos made a statement about the importance of globalization and education.

Senior Audrey Burton said International Education Week is a great opportunity for students to experience multiple cultures coming together.

“It’s always good to be exposed to new cultures just to see how different people live their lives in different parts of the world,” Burton said.

This year for International Education Week, the office of International Affairs partnered with different organizations to hosts events, including the Outdoor Adventure Center, Hispanic Culture Organization, University Events, Global Lions and the College of Business.

The week started with Frolf (Frisbee Golf) Around the World. This is where students had the opportunity to play frisbee golf while learning about different cultures.

The Hispanic Culture Organization will host Latin dance night Nov. 14 at the Baptist Campus Ministry from 6 to 9 p.m.

On Nov. 15, University events will host a Peace Tree in the GUC from 6 to 8 p.m. This is where students make ornaments to decorate the university tree to represent all different ways of life.

The week ends with Passport to the World Nov. 16 in the GUC Banquet Halls from 5 to 7 p.m. With this event, students receive a passport to travel to various tables which international students set up to showcase their home country.

UNA hosts 233 international students which represent 38 different countries. The majority of these countries will have a booth Passport to the World, Flippo said.

Flippo said Passport to the World is an event the UNA community looks forward to and is a great way to end the week. She said UNA receives a lot of community support for this event.

Freshman Alex Phillips said learning about different cultures makes someone a well-rounded individual.

“For people like me, I want to travel the world,” Phillips said. “If you’re going to travel the world, you might as well learn a few things. It turns you into a better person.”