The University of Akron is observing International Student Week today in the Student Union Piano Lounge. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Tunes at Noon, hosted by the Zips Programming Network (ZPN), will serve to highlight the many international student organizations at UA.

International Student Week is part of a national event titled International Education Week (IEW). It is sponsored by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and is a partnership between the U. S. Department of State and Department of Education. According to its website, IEW “is an opportunity to celebrate the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide.”

With almost 1400 international students, UA certainly plays its role in that celebration. UA’s Office of International Programs provides assistance to international students wishing to attend the University.

The office also provides information on study abroad programs for current UA students interested in different cultural experiences around the world. Many international students are involved in UA’s student organizations.

There are over 300 student organizations at UA and a number of them fall under the “diversity and cultural” category. Student organizations, like the African Students Association, the Indian Students Association, UA Latinos, and others, help represent the diversity of the student body.

They can also be a kind of home away from home by providing transitional support and networking for international students who may be out of their element.

As part of stressing the importance of International Student Week, several UA organizations will be in attendance during Tunes at Noon. The Study Abroad Society will be providing information on opportunities to enhance students’ education through new experiences.

Career Counseling and Testing Services will be sharing how they can help finding the right career path for all students. Also, the International Student Support Group will be present. This group acts as a “family for all international students in UA,” and “foster[s] consciousness, acceptance, connection, and growth.”

During the celebration in the Student Union Piano Lounge, donuts, muffins, and Einstein Bros. bagels will be served. The first 150 students to show up will receive a coupon for free Starbucks coffee. Music from around the world will be playing as students, both local and international, interact and learn more about the global community represented at The University of Akron.

ZPN hosts many events throughout the semester. “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” will be playing in the Student Union Theatre on Friday, Nov. 18 at 9 p.m. On Monday, Dec. 1, the Starbucks stage will be home to the Zips for St. Jude Slime event. The Midnight Mini Game Show will take place in the Union Market Concourse on Dec. 2 at 10 p.m.

Stay up to date with ZPN events by following @UAkronZPN on Twitter or UAZPN on Facebook. Check out ZPN online at uakron.edu/studentlife/involvement/zpn.