Students at Missouri Baptist University are exploring other cultures from across the globe this week—without leaving their West St. Louis County campus.

MBU is holding its second annual International Education Week Nov. 12-16 in conjunction with the U.S. departments of state and education.

The International Education week’s purpose is to:  “promote international understanding and build support for international educational exchange by encouraging the development of programs that prepare Americans to live and work in a global environment and attract future leaders from abroad to study in the United States,” according to the U.S. departments of State and Education.

This worldwide event was brought to the university last year for the first time “because of our commitment to preparing students to serve in a global diverse society,” said Kari Saunders, director of International Students Services.

Currently, students from more than 20 countries attend MBU.

The week is featuring the following events aimed at raising awareness of other cultures:

Nov. 12: International Night Dining Hall 4:30-6 p.m.

Sponsored by Residential Life, this dinner included internationally inspired foods.

Nov. 14: International Festival Bywaters Lounge 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

This university-wide event will include ethic food samples and different booths representing the cultures of different regions. The event will include authentic Indian and Chinese music and dance performances.

Nov. 15: Tastes of the World The Perk 12:30 p.m.- 2 p.m.

During this event, samples of various teas and other drinks from around the world will be offered as well as a contesting that will test the players’ knowledge on various languages.

Nov. 15 at 11 a.m. & Nov. 16 at 7 p.m.: Ukrainian Men’s Choir Chapel Pillsbury Chapel and Dale Williams Fine Arts Center

The Ukrainian Men’s Choir will share their musical culture during two performances as part of their U.S. tour.

Missouri Baptist University is a Christ-centered university located in Saint Louis. MBU offers more than 40 undergraduate degrees, graduate degrees in education, business and religion and its new terminal degree, the Doctor of Education. In addition to its 66-acre West St. Louis County campus, MBU offers degree programs at 10 regional learning centers throughout Saint Louis, in Southern Illinois and online. For more information, go to www.mobap.edu or call 1-877-434-1115.