Schools celebrate International Education Week 2011

Schools across the province are celebrating International Education Week, November 14 to 18, showcasing a variety of innovative education programs and activities that happen in Alberta’s schools every day.

“International education programs and activities provide our students with a greater understanding of our global community,” said Education Minister Thomas Lukaszuk. “Whether it’s learning a second language, participating in an exchange program or being active in a school partnership, these initiatives bring students and teachers together, and enrich the learning experience in the classroom.”
Student and teacher exchange programs, school partnerships and international student programs are some of the activities that help broaden students’ understanding of the world in which they live. During this school year, 80 Alberta students will be involved in short-term language exchange programs with Spain, Germany, Mexico and Japan. Also, 30 Alberta teachers will participate in an exchange to teach school in Switzerland, Finland or Australia and their counterparts will teach in 17 school jurisdictions across Alberta.


Schools are also celebrating International Education Week in unique ways by staging international food fairs, establishing “pen pals” with peers in another country, exploring songs, folktales, and dances from other cultures, reading selections by foreign authors and inviting international guest speakers into their classrooms.

This annual event is celebrated in more than 85 countries around the globe.

Students and teachers are encouraged to download this year’s International Education Week resources and post their events online at: www.education.alberta.ca/students/internationaleducation.aspx.