The International Student Council will hold two seminars today as part of its annual International Week, which began Friday.

The seminars, “Workshop on Becoming a Cultural Explorer,” 12 p.m. in the Memorial Union’s Gallery Room, and “A Feminist Analysis of the Global Economy,” 8 p.m. in the MU’s Sun Room, are just two of the events being held to enhance cultural awareness on campus.

“This campus is very rich in culture,” said Sheikh Hasan, senior in management information systems and International Student Council president. “[International Week is] a great opportunity for students going to college to be able to learn about the world and the culture that the world has.”

International Week began on Friday with a cultural and world dance titled “Opening the Windows of the World” and is highlighted by “The Global Food Festival,” which took place on Sunday.

Sidi Tandia, program coordinator for the International Student Council and adviser in international education services, said the money raised from the food festival would be put into a financial aid fund for an international student who may need the money for school.

According to a release from the International Student Council, 23 international students received between $200 to $600 in grants that came, in part, from the money raised during last year’s International Week.

Hasan said International Week offers all ISU students an avenue for growth in their concepts of cultural diversity.

“It’s very important for us to be able to understand that we may be different on our tastes and our ways of thinking,” Hasan said.

Hasan said that not all students have had the opportunity to understand other cultures.

“There is always a lack of awareness,” Hasan said. “The only way to know about different cultures is to go to different places in the world. Having this cultural campus is a great opportunity. You can go to different countries just through different people on campus.”

The remaining schedule of events for this year’s International Week is:

* Seminar: “Social Conflict, Trade Disputes and Genetically Modified Organisms,” Tuesday at 12 p.m. in the MU’s Pioneer Room.

* World Cultural Display & Sale of International Artifacts, Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Great Hall of the MU.

* Seminar: “Immigration Law in U.S.” Thursday at 12 p.m. in the MU’s Gold Room.

* Seminar: “U.S. Foreign Policy and the Media,” Thursday at 8 p.m. in the MU’s Sun Room.

* International Movie: “Alexander Nevsky” (Russian) Thursday at 8 p.m. in the MU’s Pioneer Room.

* International Movie: “The Killer” (Chinese) Thursday at 8 p.m. in the MU’s Pioneer Room.

* “The Never Ending Finale,” Saturday at 8 p.m. in the MU’s Sun Room, featuring cultural dances, a fashion show and a speech by Howard Shapiro, vice-provost for undergraduate education.

Hasan said he hopes people will see and appreciate all the work that students have put into this year’s International Week.

“Students have worked so hard to put this together,” Hasan said. “We hope everyone enjoys what they have done.”

Tandia said students should participate actively in International Week.

“I think it’s going to be exciting,” Tandia said. “They get to see a different country, a different culture right here at Iowa State.”