It’s a small world after all at ASU this week.

ASU Global is kicking off International Education Week with activities and events celebrating countries and cultures from all around the world from Monday to Saturday.

Mark Luebker, spokesman for the Office of the Vice President for Global Engagement, said students will need some kind of international experience as globalization becomes increasingly important to business and the economy.

“This week draws attention to the fact that there is a global threat in everything we do on campus and throughout the University,” Luebker said. “Students will need to have a global outlook. It’s a necessity for students who want to be successful in this world.”

Luebker said it is advantageous for students to study abroad and gain knowledge and experience from another culture.

“[Study abroad] has become a part of the higher education experience that is becoming more and more essential,” Luebker said. “We are moving toward a time when it will be a disadvantage not to have studied abroad.”

Others advocate that global awareness and experience will soon be a fundamental to economic success.

Doug Spencer, the assistant director of academic services for the School of International Letters and Cultures, said the school has designated a class for freshmen highlighting the importance of learning another language.

“We need to be equipped in the 21st century with language and language abilities,” Spencer said. “Soon we, as a country, will need to learn another language not as a luxury but as a necessity. We aren’t at that point yet, but soon we will have to learn another language to make money.”

Along with other events, the school will host a discussion on the increasing relevance of foreign language study to economics Wednesday.

President of ASU Kurdish Youth Club Nuha Sarraj said she believes being culturally aware rids humans of ignorance, especially when it comes to the Middle East.

“We have such a tarnished image with people thinking that suicide bombers and terrorists are the only things coming from the Middle East,” Sarraj said. “There is a lot of beautiful clothes and culture that come from the Middle East.”

Sarraj, a political science sophomore, will help put on a multicultural fashion show at the West campus Tuesday showcasing clothing from the Middle East.

There are more than 40 cultural events and activities happening throughout the week at all four campuses.

Events include festivals, film showings, art exhibits, fashion shows, lectures, food drives, dance classes, international sporting events — all culminating in International Night 2008, which showcases dances, music and food from around the world Saturday on Hayden Lawn.

Coalition of International Students Event Coordinator Chetan Patel said he believes establishing international relationships are essential to a prosperous and peaceful future.

“Every culture, every nation is as beautiful and rich in culture as my nation,” said Patel, an international student from India. “My experience of working with people from different backgrounds has taught me that people from around the world can be very different, yet humanity resonates among us all.”

Reach the reporter at lauren.gambino@asu.edu.