Students can take the opportunity to celebrate some of the many cultures that make up the campus community during International Week, kicking off at 11 a.m. today with a parade featuring students wearing traditional clothing and playing instruments. The events conclude on Sunday with the University’s 40th annual International Night.
International Week, organized by the International Student Association, is featuring several speakers, including University President Dave Frohnmayer.
“We try very hard to be an international campus … not merely in numbers,” Frohnmayer said. He added that International Week “showcases some of our finer students.”
ISA members said that anyone who wants to make a lot of noise and draw attention to themselves is welcome to participate.
“It’s just to get people familiar with other cultures,” said organizer Caitlin Shinn, adding that it is important to understand different cultures. “If we can help to close some of that gap, then we have made a huge dent.”
Shinn said ISA has worked for almost two months to prepare for the event with the help of nearly 100 volunteers.
Thomas Mills, a speaker and the associate vice president of international programs at the Office of International Programs, stressed that international students bring diversity and different perceptions to the University that otherwise would not be there.
“We’re very fortunate to have such a wonderful resource,” Mills said. “It’s a reminder of the contributions the students make to the University, and a reminder of the importance of maintaining peace and positive international relations in the world.”
Other events during the week include student group performances, a film screening and a European-style outdoor cafe, as well as International Night on Sunday. All events, except for International Night, are free.
ISA International Week volunteer coordinator Corinne Erceg said students will have the opportunity to meet people they have classes with but never talked
to before.
“It’s a very good opportunity to see different cultures,” she said. “It’s a whole lot of fun, too.”
Shinn said the group is going all out to celebrate the 40th anniversary of International Night.
“We’re making this as big as possible,” she said. “You can experience the world right here.”
The evening will feature about 10 performances, including traditional dances from Nepal, Indonesia, Brazil, Japan, Ethiopia and Korea. The dinner will include dishes from 12 countries and regions, including Italy, China, Germany, India, Tanzania and Puerto Rico. There will also be a display in the EMU Fir Room that explains the history of the night.
ISA spokesman Takenori Momiyama said that the overall intent is to show that American and foreign students are part of the same University community.
“We are all international students,” he said.
ISA co-Director Gabriela Serrano agreed.
“After working for a term and a half on International Week, and seeing how different cultures and backgrounds have come together in spite of differences, we’ve … put on a show that reflects unity and a sense of community,” Serrano said.