Monday marks the kickoff of this year’s International Week, a five-day celebration of international culture on the UO campus.
The annual event runs through May 9 and is hosted by the International Student Association. Known as iWeek, the festival allows international and domestic students to mingle and teach each other about their own cultures and backgrounds. The theme this year is Celebrations Throughout the Nations.
“For students involved in international and cultural clubs on campus, iWeek gives each group an opportunity to showcase their culture,” said Leigh Scheffey, ISA program coordinator. “Overall, every event is a chance to learn more and teach different students about other groups on campus.”
iWeek activities include events ranging from deejay and dance competitions, sushi- and salad-rolling workshops and water balloon fights to salsa dancing, game nights and the most popular event of the week, iNight. The first event of the week, the Inflatables Game, runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday on the Gerlinger Lawn.
See the ISA website for a full list of scheduled events.
iNight is the biggest event of the week. It’s an evening of food and entertainment to celebrate global diversity on campus. A catered nine-course dinner and eight cultural performances will represent countries from all over the world.
This year’s iNight will be held Tuesday, May 6, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. in the EMU Ballroom. Tickets will go on sale at 5 p.m. Tuesday and can be purchased online or at the UO Ticket Office; cost will be $7 for students and $10 for community members.
The ISA represents international students from more than 90 countries and focuses on supporting international students as they adjust to American culture and society. The program has two co-directors; three student officers; publicity, fundraising, and program coordinators; around 20 interns; and hundreds of volunteers.
“It was really fun thinking of ways to represent different groups of international students that don’t have as large of a student body on campus,” said Scheffey.
A total of 2,946 international students enrolled at the UO this year, comprising 10 percent of the overall student body. The International Student and Scholar Services annual report from fall 2012 showed an 88 percent increase in international students since 2002 and a 25 percent increase from 2011.
“The ISA loves that we are able to put on such a fun event that allows for different students to present more about their culture,” said Sheffey.
– By Sarah MacKenzie, Public Affairs Communications intern