Kevin Su (The Beacon)
By Kevin Su, Guest Commentary
International Education Week (IEW) is an important opportunity to celebrate the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide. Across the world universities and organizations celebrate this week as a time to highlight the importance of international education and exchange to their institutions and communities.
International Night is the climatic peak and the culmination of IEW. Throughout the night in The Commons during regular dinner service, two events are run simultaneously: The Main Stage Performance, which gives a diverse group of students and professional performers the opportunity to present their talents, and Showcase of Nations, where students from multiple nationalities and cultures showcase their home countries and cultures.
This year's main stage includes Ghanaian music, Mediterranean music, Latin dancing, Bollywood dancing, and more. The Showcase of Nations will involve 14 countries from all over the world, from Peru, to Saudi Arabia, to India. Throughout the night, the University community is welcome to talk to representatives of each participating country at their tables to learn more about different cultures, and find out how they can impact our future, while at the same time savoring international dishes crafted by Bon Appétit. In addition to this year's main events, the International House is running a Food Drive throughout the week, with all donations going to the Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization (IRCO). Donations can be dropped off during the week at International Student Services in Christie Hall, Mehling Hall, and Tyson Hall House 105. If you bring a can or box of food to the Commons on International Night, Bon Appétit will exchange it for a free global drink ticket!
Lastly, as coordinators of this year's IEW, we think it is important to reach out to college students, especially at UP where there is a diverse group of international students, to educate and develop a wider understanding of world cultures, traditions, and languages. IEW is a great way to learn about different places and people in the world without having to pay for a plane ticket! We got involved as coordinators so that we could show off how diverse our UP community is. We are very proud of this year's IEW and we hope to see you at International Night!
For more information on International Education Week worldwide, we recommend that you check out the Department of State's IEW website: http://iew.state.gov/
Kevin Su is a junior political science major. He can be reached at su14@up.edu
