An international student will relate her experiences covering the war in Afghanistan during the International Forum at 2 p.m. today.

Rabia Akhtar, a political science graduate student from Pakistan, will share her “fascinating” story about her stint as a freelance journalist for CBS News and USA Today, said Sue Songer, international student adviser.

“It’s going to be a very interesting talk,” Songer said.

The International Forum, held once a month, was formerly called International Tea. Songer said after doing some research last year, she found the word “tea” discouraged students and faculty from attending the events, especially American students.

“Students pictured older ladies with their pinkies raised,” she said. “I think the new name reflects the academic purpose for the gatherings.”

For years, International Programs has sponsored the forums, which normally highlight a geographical location and feature a speaker.

Free refreshments and great conversation are always available, Songer said, and the event usually draws a large crowd of international students and faculty.

“We’ve been very pleased with the attendance,” Songer said. “We had well over 100 people attend each tea last year, but we’d love to have more.”