If you’ve been thinking lately that you need to learn more about other cultures, you’re not alone; the government thinks so too.

That’s why the U.S. Departments of State and Education have proclaimed this week as International Education week. This 12th annual joint effort aims to teach Americans more about other countries while attracting foreign people to “study, learn and exchange experiences in the United States,” according to the website.

Here at SMU, many interesting things are going on this week to appreciate the foreign students who add some diversity to the “SMU Bubble.” Here’s what to look out for during the rest of the week:

Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2 p.m.: Learn more about Russia’s culture and education system in the Blanton Building, room 112 by meeting students and teachers from Saratov, Russia.

Wednesday, Nov. 16, 3 p.m.: Head to Simmons Hall, room 218 to hear Chinese scholar Tao Deng’s presentation about the difference between an American university and a Chinese university.

Thursday, Nov. 17, 12 p.m.: Go to Blanton 110 for the discussion, “The Experience of Studying Abroad” and hear what international exchange students and SMU students who have studied abroad have to say about learning in a different country. If you go, you’ll get a free lunch (what college kid doesn’t like free food?), but you have to RSVP to Belen Skertchly first: [email protected].

Maybe after going to one of these events, you’ll give that empty suitcase in the corner a harder stare.

I know I will.

Pony Post is a digital class journalism blog produced independently of The Daily Campus.