Oakton’s International Education Week Focuses on Exploring World

Expert speakers in the areas of political science, anthropology and global studies highlight Oakton Community College’s International Education Week activities, Nov. 18-21. Free learning opportunities by discussions of lectures and a study abroad fair are two high points of the week. Open to the public, events will take place at Oakton’s campuses in Des Plaines, 1600 E. Golf Road, and Skokie, 7701 N. Lincoln Ave.

“At Oakton, we are focused on supporting students becoming ethical, global citizens, as well as creating an open, safe, inclusive environment for all students to grow and learn,” Oakton Global Studies Coordinator Katherine Schuster, Ph.D., says.

This year’s International Education Week theme is “Explore Your World: Global Studies and Study Abroad.”

Oakton Lecturer Eduardo Frajman, Ph.D., will serve as the keynote speaker. He will kick off the week with the presentation “Pura Vida: Peace and Sustainable Development in Costa Rica” 9:30 a.m. Monday, Nov. 18, in Room 1608, at the Des Plaines campus. The session will focus on Costa Rica’s unique place as a pioneer on environmental policy and how the country has positioned itself as an example of peace and sustainability.

Frajman grew up in San Jose, Costa Rica and has a doctorate in political science from the University of Maryland, College Park. He has published numerous peer-reviewed articles on Latin American politics as well as hundreds of essays and reviews on Latin American music and cinema.

Oakton Professor of English Scott Johnson will present the lecture “Irish Literature: Identity of Myth” at 9:30 a.m., Tuesday, Nov. 19, at Oakton’s Des Plaines campus in Room 1608, and 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 20, at the Skokie campus in Room P103.

Kirk Samson, Director of the International Trade Association of Greater Chicago, will present “Brexit, Trade Wars and the Importance of International Relations” at 12:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 21, in Room 1604, at the Des Plaines campus.

Throughout the week, Schuster will provide information about study abroad opportunities in countries including China, Costa Rica, France, Ireland, India, the Netherlands and Spain.

A complete schedule of Oakton’s International Education Week events is available at www.oakton.edu/academics/special_programs/global_studies/news/international_education_week/2019.php.

International Education Week is an initiative by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and the U.S. Department of Education and is hosted by the college by Oakton’s Global Studies Program.

For more information, contact Katherine Schuster at 847-376-7118 or schuster@oakton.edu.