Rick Steves, guidebook author, television host, columnist and European travel expert will present this year’s International Education Week keynote lecture “Travel as a Political Act.”
The lecture will take place at 6:30 p.m. on Thurs., Nov. 15, at Wisconsin Union Theatre, Shannon Hall, as part of the events planned to celebrate International Education Week (IEW). Tickets are required for the event, but UW–Madison students can purchase tickets for a special price of $10.
Considering himself “a citizen of this planet,” Steves’ countless experiences discovering unknown places and sharing them with others have redefined his opinions of travel and community. Through anecdotes and satirical humor, Steves will shed light on his thoughts about American travel in relation to politics, and will explain how his travels have broadened his perspectives and opinions on drug policy reform, the role of government and America’s place in relation to the rest of the world.
The IEW Keynote Lecture is one of many events planned in observance of International Education Week, a joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education. From November 12–18, campus will celebrate the benefits of cultural and international exchange on and off campus through lectures, programs, fairs and other activities. Most events are free and open to the public.
More than 20 events are planned for the week featuring a wide variety of activities. A street foods festival followed by a lecture from local restaurateur and Iron Chef Tory Miller will kick off the week on Nov. 12. Later that evening Orquesta M.A.S.—one of Madison’s newest salsa bands, will play at the Welcome to IEW Dance Party. Alumna and filmmaker Stacey Reiss will share how her UW degree has enabled her to travel the world as a filmmaker and journalist on Nov. 13.
The IRIS International Film Series is returning for the second year. The series features films from around the world with some written, produced by, or featuring UW alumni. Films will be shown at venues across campus and in the community Nov. 13–18.
During IEW, the university will also be hosting Brazilian-American Symbolist artist, author, and academic, Jonatas Chimen, as its first “Distinguished Alumni Artist-in-Residence.” Chimen take part in various activities throughout the week, including panels, lectures and an art installation.
In addition, partners have planned lectures, lunches, networking events and parties on a wide variety of topics in honor of IEW. View a full schedule of events available to the campus community and the public at iew.international.wisc.edu.
“The International Division is excited to work alongside campus partners and community organizations to offer this week of programming,” said Guido Podestá, vice provost and dean of the International Division at UW–Madison. “The benefits to being globally engaged citizens are countless and have a tremendous impact on the state, nation and world.”
IEW is organized by UW–Madison’s International Division in collaboration with other across campus as well as community organizations. View the full list of sponsors.