Students will be discussing their experiences studying abroad today in Room 200 of White Hall. The panel, titled “Everyone Wants to be Italian or Turkish or Ugandan!” is part of the October Cultural Dialogues series presented by study abroad and international students.

“Students will have the opportunity to learn from other Kent State students who have experienced living in Uganda, located in East Africa; visiting historic sites in Turkey; and learning another language in Italy,” said Elizabeth Thomas, public relations coordinator for the dean of the College of Education, Health and Human services, in an e-mail.

There is also a secondary educator from Iran speaking.

Students interested about education will enjoy learning the similarities and differences of education in Iran as compared to America, said Linda Robertson, director of the Gerald H. Read Center for International and Intercultural Education.

“I think we have a curiosity about Iran,” Robertson said. “We probably have more in common than we know.”

Robertson said people are feeling the need to understand the world and be educated people.

October Cultural Dialogues All held from noon to 1 p.m. in Room 200 of White Hall Thursday, Oct. 7: “Everyone Wants to be Italian or Turkish or Ugandan!” (Panel of students who have studied abroad) Wednesday, Oct. 13: “Challenges for Special Populations Around the World” (Saudi Arabia, Japan and Thailand) Tuesday, Oct. 19: “Three R’s Globally, Reforms and Trends” (Libya, China and Turkey) Tuesday, Oct. 26 Mountains, Myths and Marvels: A Travelogue (Kazakhstan, Kenya and Papua Indonesia)

The four programs are focused to appeal to students in each of the four schools of the College of Education, Health and Human Services.

The main intention of the October Cultural Dialogues is to expose the Kent State community to other cultures and try to create an appreciation of culture and a global neighborhood.

“If you come to these every week, there starts to be a sense of community,” Robertson said.

The Cultural Dialogues, which are more personal than reading a book or watching a movie, make it okay to discuss some of the things American students wonder about, Robertson said.

Thomas said it’s important for students to learn about other cultures because Kent State is a global society.

“Students from all over the world come to Kent State to study and it’s important that they expand their worldview to learn about other cultures, language and lifestyles,” Thomas said.

Contact Alison Adams at [email protected].