International Education Week offers students a glimpse of the world

The University Center for International Education will host a week of free cultural activities during International Education Week from Nov. 14 to Nov. 18.

Without leaving campus, students, staff and faculty can travel around the world in five days and experience a taste of the Middle East, Africa, Latin America, Europe, Canada and Asia through a variety of activities.

To celebrate the rich cultural diversity on campus, Wright State’s University Center for International Education (UCIE) will host a week of free cultural activities from Monday, Nov. 14, to Friday, Nov. 18.

Guests can experience henna, chopstick competitions, Ping-Pong tournaments, African dances and cheeses from around the world.

More than 1,400 international students from 62 different countries are on campus this semester, while more than 400 students studied abroad around the world during the 2015-2016 academic year.

Throughout the world, International Education Week is celebrated to recognize international exchange and education. It was created by the U.S. departments of State and Education in 2000.

“The world has come to you on campus,” said Catherine Hernandez, the international student program coordinator at the UCIE. “People who attend these International Education Week events will not only have the chance to capture a glimpse of the world without even leaving campus but will also have many opportunities to learn how to study abroad in those regions.”

The week of events begins with the International Education Week kickoff on Nov. 14 from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Student Union Apollo Room. The event includes international student organizations and student performances.

Also on Nov. 14, the Middle East will be presented from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in E190 Student Union. Guests will be introduced to authentic Middle Eastern foods, entered to win raffle prizes and learn facts from student presentations.

“Our international students are so engaged and excited to not only share their culture to others, but to learn from others as well,” Hernandez said.

From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 15, the African experience is available with authentic snacks, student presentations and raffle prizes. From 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. on Nov. 15, the Dayton Burundi drummers will perform in the Student Union Atrium at the President’s Reception at the International Education Award Ceremony. The Dayton Burundi Drummers formed in 2012 and have performed statewide.

On Wednesday, Nov. 16, from 3:30 to 5 p.m., Latin America will come to campus in the Student Union Pathfinder Lounge. Guests can enjoy authentic Latino foods, dances and student presentations and be entered to win raffle prizes. The Amigos Latinos Student Association and the Office of Latino Affairs will help lead Latino dances, including Salsa, Merengue, Bachata and Cumbia.

On Thursday, Nov. 17, from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. in E190 Student Union, attendees can get a taste of Europe and Canada through a variety of cheeses and grape juice, be entered to win raffle prizes and learn more from student presentations.

On Friday, Nov. 18, from noon to 2 p.m. in E190 Student Union, guests will get an Asian experience with authentic snacks, Henna, chopstick competitions and student presentations.

Visitors can also enjoy the UCIE international photo gallery on Friday from 3 to 5 p.m. in the Student Union Pathfinder Lounge. The top photos will be announced.

“I always look forward to the celebration of our different cultures and traditions at Wright State,” said Michelle Streeter-Ferrari, UCIE director. “It is a joy to bring students, faculty and staff together to celebrate the past year and make connections for the future.”

For more information about International Education Week contact Streeter-Ferrari at michelle.streeter@wright.edu or visit the UCIE website.