American students and international students will have an opportunity to meet, mingle and munch when the International Programs Office holds its first International Tea from 2-4 p.m. Wednesday in the Mattoon-Charleston Room.

The tea, which began in the early 1970s, is held once a month and is open to Eastern’s entire community, said Sue Songer, international student advisor. She said free refreshments will be served.

This month’s speaker is Craig Eckert, professor of sociology, who will be speaking about his recent trip to Vietnam, Songer said. He will be discussing what he saw and how he felt about traveling there.

There are approximately 150 students in the Association of International Students (AIS) advised by Steve Ropler, political science professor, and Rosemary Buck, English professor, Songer said.

The board of AIS will also be introduced at Wednesday’s tea.

She said there are people at Eastern who believe this tea is for women only, but this is not true.

After having a conversation with a young man on campus, Songer said she realized “the word `tea’ is more commonly used as a woman’s place, not a man’s.” However, Songer invited all to come and enjoy the lecture.

“There are things that we could learn form these teas,” she said.

Future dates for International Teas include Sept. 27, Oct. 24 and Nov. 29.