It's a race around the world Monday during the kickoff of International Education Week at the University of Memphis.
Monday through Nov. 16, the Center for International Programs and Services will observe the week with festivities in Brister Hall and the Ned R. McWherter Library.
Twenty-six students divided into 10 teams for the Global Race will partake in competitions from noon to 2 p.m. The students will have to complete a series of challenges that test their knowledge about the international community for the chance to win one of three vouchers to go toward a study abroad trip.
Each member of the top three winning teams is eligible for a voucher. First place members will receive $300 vouchers, second place will receive $250 and third place will receive $200 vouchers.
"We don't want to be too specific with what the challenges will be because we don't want to tip off the teams," Jonathan Holland, study abroad advisor, said. "The teams will race across campus at various academic and administrative programs and departments completing ten challenges that test their international knowledge. When a team completes a challenge, they are given a clue to lead them to the next location."
Holland said International Education Week is a great way for the U of M to work toward internationalizing the campus, which is part of the university's mission and vision of addressing the challenges of a global society.
During the week there will also be an information session about the Fulbright U.S. Student program and the Tigers Abroad Photo Exhibit.
The photo exhibit will be in the library all week and the Fulbright information session will be from noon to 2:30 p.m. Wednesday in room 220 of Brister Hall.
The Fulbright information session is only open to U of M students.
"Our photo contest is an activity that we hold every year in celebrating international education week," Holland said. "The Fulbright Workshop and Global Race Events are new events this year."
Holland said more than 300 students studied abroad during the 2011-2012 academic year.
"Students should study abroad because they can learn a lot about themselves, obtain inspiration for a future career, learn cross-cultural skills, enhance their résumé, gain a global perspective, network and make new friends - and because it's fun," Holland said.
