Press Releases

U.S. Embassy observes International Education Week

November 19, 2007

International Education Week (IEW) is a joint initiative of the United States Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education to celebrate the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide.  It also seeks to develop a broader understanding of world cultures and to share information about the history, culture and government of the United States.  International Education Week is observed across the United States and in more than 100 countries overseas.

International Education Week (IEW) is a joint initiative of the United States Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education to celebrate the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide.  It also seeks to develop a broader understanding of world cultures and to share information about the history, culture and government of the United States.  International Education Week is observed across the United States and in more than 100 countries overseas.

This year’s theme is “International Education:  Globalization and Respect.”  As part of the U.S. Embassy’s activities in observance of the 8th Annual IEW, U.S. Embassy staff members have spoken at a variety of venues to share their insights into American educational programs, history, and culture.

International Education Week kicked off on Monday, November 12, with a one-hour live discussion on the program “Real Time Talk” on MORE 94 FM radio hosted by Ortland Bodie.  The program featured, Paul Jukic, Political Officer at the Embassy, Dr. Rhonda Chipman-Johnson, Executive Vice President and Vice President of Academic Affairs at The College of The Bahamas, and Katherine Stewart-Gibson, Public Affairs Specialist.  Both Mr. Jukic and Dr. Rhonda-Chipman Johnson are former U.S. Fulbright Grantees.    Mr. Jukic was a Fulbright recipient as a graduate student in 1994-95 in Zagreb, Croatia.  Dr. Chapman-Johnson earned her Ph.D. as a Fulbright Graduate student at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, U.S.A.  The discussion focused on the importance of international education exchange as a way of promoting a deeper understanding and appreciation of world cultures.

On November 13, Gunnery Sergeant Harry Taylor, Commander of the United States Marine Corps Nassau Detachment, spoke to Scout leaders, Scouts and parents about the history, customs, and traditions of the United States Marine Corps in a forum held on November 12, at the Scout Association of The Bahamas, located on Dolphin Drive.  In this interactive discussion with Scouts from seven divisions of the Scout Association of The Bahamas, Gunnery Sergeant Taylor discussed the history and founding of the U.S. Marine Corps.  He encouraged the scouts to learn their history and to be equally as proud of their heritage and traditions.  “The U.S. Marines are an amphibious force in readiness to support and defend freedom, peace, and democracy not only in the United States, but around the world,” said Gunnery Sergeant Taylor.

Gunnery Sergeant Taylor pointed out that the first amphibious landing by the U.S. Marines took place at Fort Montague, Nassau, The Bahamas on March 2 -3, 1776.  The amphibious landing became known as the Battle of Nassau.  Taylor also explained the significance of the official Emblem of the U.S. Marine Corps -- the Eagle, which signifies the nation, the Globe, which signifies world wide service, and the Anchor, which depicts naval traditions and service.

On Thursday, November 15, as part of the ongoing weekly Reading Program at Woodcock Primary School, U.S. Embassy readers shared information with Woodcock students on their hometowns and States in the United States.  Readers talked about traditions and history of Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey, Washington, D.C., Arizona and Ohio.