New Yorkers Connect with International Students in the Wake of September 11th

As New Yorkers seek opportunities for positive community involvement in the wake of the September 11th attack, Metro International is providing programs through which internationally-minded citizens engage in citizen diplomacy with international undergraduate and graduate students from all over the world.

Many of these students arrived in New York for the fall semester only days before the attacks on the World Trade Center. New York residents have the opportunity to engage in dialogue with these students‹many of whom will be the next generation of leaders in their countries‹and help shape positive attitudes toward our city and our country which the students will carry with them on their return to their home countries.

Americans know little about how recent events are perceived outside our borders. These upcoming events will allow international students to serve as a resource for questions relating to international perceptions of terrorism, how the foreign press is reporting current events, and what it is like to live in countries which have experienced terrorism. In turn, students will learn more about how Americans really think and feel in this strange and difficult period for our country.

Metro invites press coverage of the following upcoming events:

Saturday and Sunday, October 20-21

The community of Mountain Lakes, New Jersey, which lost a number of residents and firefighters in the World Trade Center attack, is opening its doors to international students for United Nations Weekend. Individual families are hosting overnight stays for 32 students from 16 countries. The community has organized group activities as well. While this is an annual even celebrating the founding of the UN, more hosts and students are participating than ever before, indicating an increased need for international connection and understanding.

Saturday, October 27

Touring the Triangle - Getting to Know Tribeca‹Metro International leads a walking tour for international students and New Yorkers in this hard-hit area of New York, to showcase the history, urban redevelopment, and celebrity in the TRIangle BElow CAnal. The day ends with an informal reception in Metro's Tribeca office.

Friday, November 2

Fulbright Scholar Welcome Reception - Newly arrived Fulbright Scholars from 50 nations are hosted at a reception at Citigroup Center saluting their stay at New York area universities. This is a unique time for a Fulbright sojourn in U.S., and New Yorkers will gather to welcome and meet the scholars in our midst. Citibank is the leading private sector funder of Fulbright grants worldwide. Metro International is the officially-designated coordinator of enrichment programs for visiting Fulbright Scholars in the New York area.

November 14-17

U.S. Military Academy at West Point Student Conference on U.S. Affairs - Metro has been invited to bring a delegation of international students and scholars to join American college students and foreign affairs professionals from around the country to discuss and debate U.S. foreign policy. The Metro delegates will stay with army cadets in their barracks at West Point.

Thursday, November 22 through Sunday, November 25

Thanksgiving in Fairfield County, Connecticut and Manheim-Lititz, Pennsylvania - Metro coordinates Thanksgiving holiday experiences, with families in these two communities opening their homes to international students and scholars.

Ongoing

Metro International is providing international speakers to New York City public schools on subjects ranging from "demystifying Islam" to "terrorism and regional conflicts" and "international media perspectives on September 11." Call to find out schedule.

For more information about any of these events, please call Margaret Shiba at 212-431-1195 (x25).

Metro International Program Services of New York, Inc. creates global learning opportunities for students, educators, and the community in New York City and beyond. Metro's array of educational services and outreach programs promote interaction between international students and the residents of New York in settings as diverse as local neighborhoods, school classrooms, business, and cultural institutions. Metro serves as the officially-designated coordinator of enrichment programs for visiting Fulbright students and scholars in the New York area and is a nationally and internationally recognized leader in providing substantive and innovative educational programming.