The University community has been compared to the proverbial melting pot of cultures; a rainbow with many brilliant hues; and even a salad bowl filled with different peoples. All are appropriate analogies, but none convey the rich heritages and contributions of individual cultures.

With this week's International Festival, students have the chance to learn not only how many different cultures comprise Penn State, but what those cultures offer to the local community and the country.

The International Student Council and the Office of International Students have organized the festival, turning the former day-long event into a week of activities for the first time in 16 years.

This week offers such learning opportunities as tonight's speech, The United Nations in a Changing World, presented by Viktor Mikailovich Sukhodrev at 7:30 in 112 Kern. Sukhodrev has been a translator to former Soviet heads of State since 1956. He has

A speech about the drug trade from a Latin American perspective will be given at 7:30 Wednesday night in the HUB Assembly Room. The Friends of India will present a night of Indian music at 7 Saturday in 102 Kern.

The week of many other events will conclude Sunday with the annual International Fair -- a global bazaar of food, arts, games and exhibits.

Diversity means more than simply tolerating other cultures and lifestyles. It means learning about them and how they relate to one's own set of traditions and values.

This week is the time to learn information that can be used all year long.