International Education Week kicks off with lecture by director of Water Pressures Project India

November 14, 2008

India is quite literally a world away. However, next week it will be closer than ever because to kick off International Education Week at the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater, there will be a lecture about the water shortage and pollution issues facing the sub-continent.  The event will take place from 3-5 p.m. in UC 275.

“It’s important for students to broaden their horizons by expanding beyond our borders,” International Student Advisor Jessica Harmatys said. “And this is an opportunity for students to do that without even leaving campus.”

The lecture features Ann Feldman, the director of Water Pressures Project India, a project that aims to create global awareness of water problems in India, the United States and the rest of the world. It also will feature James Ewing a photographer and videographer who has captured eye-catching and poignant imagery of life in India and who works with Feldman on the Water Pressures Project.

Feldman and Ewing will show photos, video clips and personal stories about people in India, specifically people living in the desert and their issues with obtaining water.

Aside from lecturing on the issue, Feldman has been instrumental in starting Water Footprint Challenges at college campuses all over the nation. The challenge encourages students to reduce the amount of water they use both personally and on a campus-wide level.

“This lecture is important because it highlights problems with water pollution and availability in other countries,” Harmatys said. “It’s not a problem we face here so it is extremely vital that students know about this growing issue affecting a large part of the world.”

In addition to Feldman’s lecture, the Office of International Education and Programs will hold a travel-study fair as part of International Education Week.  The fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 18 in the UC room 261.  Any students interested in studying abroad are highly encouraged to attend.

For more information on Feldman’s lecture, contact Harmatys at 262-472-4992.  For more information on the travel-study fair, contact International Education Programs Director Harlan Smith at 262-472-5178.