(-- The Beacon)
By Rose Hoonan Staff Writer hoonan15@up.edu
"You better have your dancing shoes on!" senior Beatrice Uwimana, a native of Rwanda, said about International Night.
It was the grand finale of International Education Week, a nationwide event Nov. 11-19 to promote and celebrate international education and exchange.
"We are trying to bring diversity to the graph here at UP," Uwimana, who coordinated International Week, said. "We pick different themes, and this year we focused on environmental and social justice."
Cultural fusion
The Cultural Fusion event highlighted different cultures in a night of food sampling, people meeting and cultural celebrations.
"We had people from Germany, American Samoa, Uganda, Kuwait, Vietnam and the U.S., and they sat as a panel," senior Irene Niedo, who coordinated the event, said. "They answered questions like how their country deals with environmental issues."
Chinese conversation table
The Chinese Conversation Table was set up in the Pilot House for anyone looking to learn or practice Mandarin Chinese. Chinese professor Christina Chen hosted the event, which occurs weekly.
"It serves as a bridge between native speakers and language learners," Chen said.
Taiwanese movie night
Sophomore Kevin Su presented a Taiwanese film he brought from Taiwan in the Villa Maria Hall lounge on Nov. 15.
"I wanted to introduce and give a picture to students of what my country looks like," Su said.
Art without borders
Recycling was the theme at the Art Without Borders event in St. Mary's Lounge on Nov. 16. Participants made crafts like recycled bead necklaces, painted ceramic tiles and plastic bottle boats.
Sophomore and International Club Officer Daphne Pai made a necklace from recycled magazine strips.
"Just like we do back home, we make use of everything," Pai said.
Sushi workshop
The Sushi Workshop – equipped with sushi-making students and Bon Appétit's very own sushi chef – was the ultimate place for a free, authentic Japanese meal.
Students learned how to make their own sushi using bamboo mats and chopsticks.
"It was fun to be able to make and eat our own sushi," Niedo said. "It tasted good, too!"
Find yourself outside the U.S.
Getting information about traveling to a foreign country got a bit easier for students who attended the "Finding Yourself Outside the U.S." event in the International Student Center.
"We had the event to provide campus resources to students looking for a foreign experience," Gwen Guderjohn, program assistant for International Student Services, said.
The Campus Connectors Program hosted the event, presenting information about the Fulbright Program, Career Services, Engineers Without Borders, Campus Ministry, Moreau Center and Financial Aid.
Aztec dance and culture night
Members from a local Aztec dance group did several performances before inviting students join the circle at St. Mary's Student Center.
"My favorite part was seeing how other cultures dance," sophomore and Diversity Coordinator Helena Chew said.
Asian market trip
The trip to the Fubon Market in Southeast Portland provided a cultural excursion for both Chinese natives and newcomers.
"I wanted to help our UP members explore their largest local Asian supermarket where they might hesitate to explore on their own," Chen said.
Bake sale for Haiti
Muffins and meringues made their mark at the Haiti bake sale, hosted by the French Club in the Pilot House. All of the proceeds were donated to Haiti.
"As French Club, we stress diversity," sophomore and co-president Rylan Suehisa said. "We wanted to take a step forward and help Haiti."
International night
The excitement was palpable in The Commons as students dressed in their nations' traditional garb mingled with students, faculty and guests.
"International night is the time for international students to be proud," Uwimana said. "People normally can be shy, but this is their night to shine."
In addition to hearing from a Mali band, student performers danced, sang and played music from their native countries.
"I danced a Hawaiian Hula number with my friend and cousin," sophomore Fredeliz Misay said. "It's scary, but we practiced. At International Night, everyone's there!"
After the celebration and performances came the dance party, where all cultures came together.
"This is where all UP students can participate," Uwimana said. "We just try and make the event better every year."
(-- The Beacon)
