The International Student Association’s 39th annual International Week and Night, “Patches: Threading Our Cultures,” which begins today, offers the University community five days and one evening of events highlighting cultural diversity.
“Each one of us represents a patch all coming together,” Publicity Coordinator Jennifer Huang said. “It represents all students from campus gathering to celebrate differences,” she said.
Although International Week aims at uniting students from around the world in a common setting, it is also a place to recognize what sets students apart.
“It’s a celebration of differences,” International Week and International Night Committee Director David Reyes said.
ISA members have been fundraising since last year to make the events come alive by contacting on- and off-campus groups for donations.
Countless hours of labor — with students sometimes meeting until the wee hours of the morning — and more than 400 volunteers helped the week come together.
Unlike programs from years past, the 2002 roster includes a presentation from all-American crooners On the Rocks, a student a cappella choir, and more involvement from Native American students, Huang said.
“We’re getting a good mix from people all over the world this year,” International Student Association Co-Director Shruti Shah said.
International Week kicks off with a parade from 10:30 to 11 a.m. today. The route begins at Oregon Hall, runs down 13th Avenue through campus and wraps up at the University Bookstore. Participants will sport colorful clothing representing international cultures. The parade will be followed by Music Day events from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. featuring cultural music in the EMU Amphitheater. Music Day festivities are sponsored by the Japanese Student Organization and the African Student Association.
An International Art Gallery will grace the walls and floor of the Fir Room from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday with sculptures, paintings and crafts from far off lands. Art will be on display from China, Japan, Korea, Africa, India and Pakistan.
On Wednesday, an international dance show from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the amphitheater will feature traditional and modern cultural dances. Dance styles include salsa, Egyptian folk dance, traditional Indian dances and Hawaiian dances. Dance lessons will be offered throughout the day for people wanting to learn the native steps.
Folk tales, myths and stories will be shared at the International Storytelling event from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday in the International Resource Center. Storytellers hail from the International Cultural Students Program, ISA and the African Student Association. University professors are also giving presentations at 7 p.m.
The final day of International Week, Friday, is Fashion Day in the International Resource Center from 4 to 6 p.m. during the weekly ISA coffee hour. Students will model international apparel at the final event of the week during the closing ceremony.
“It’s an amazing way to end the night,” Shah said.
Sunday evening brings the main event — International Night 2002. The evening opens with dinners served at 5 and 6 p.m. in the EMU Skylight above the EMU Ticket Office. Student volunteers are preparing meals from more than 20 different countries. Live international dance, music and drama, plus a performance from On the Rocks follows dinner at 7:30 p.m. in the EMU Ballroom.
All international week events are free and open to the public. In case of bad weather, outdoor events will be moved to the EMU Fir Room. Tickets for International Night are $11 for the general public and $8 for University students and children from ages 4 to 12. Admission is free for children ages 3 and younger. Tickets are available at the EMU Ticket Office.
Call 346-4387 for more information.