Niagara University celebrated 2019 International Week Nov. 18-22, with a variety of academic and cultural activities that shared diverse perspectives, celebrated international education and exchange, and offered opportunities to increase cross-cultural awareness and appreciation.
A karaoke party started things off on Monday, Nov. 18. Participants enjoyed singing and mingling with others while enjoying typical Western New York pizza and wings.
On Tuesday, the spotlight was on Hispanic heritage. Music, food, crafts, career and study-abroad opportunities were on display in St. Vincent’s Hall for an informal afternoon that celebrated the culture of Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.
Vietnamese students Linh Nguyen, Lisa Nguyen, and Trang Nguyen prepared fresh spring rolls, papaya salad, and noodle beef soup for the “Food Around the World” buffet.
Niagara University’s international students prepared and shared the cuisines of their countries on Wednesday during a “Food Around the World” buffet that included traditional foods from Italy, Saudi Arabia, the Philippines, Korea, Japan, China, Rwanda, France, and Vietnam.
The spotlight shifted to Asia on Thursday, when a panel of students from seven different Asian countries gave an overview of their homelands and answered questions about their policies and practices.
“Many people assume Asia is one place rather than made up of many different countries, languages and culture,” said Dr. Deborah T. Curtis, vice president of International Relations and the Brennan Center, which sponsored the international week activities. “We have students from 12 different Asian countries on campus right now, and seven of those countries were represented at the panel. The students participating shared their own personal viewpoints, discussing a variety of topics ranging from current political climates to family traditions.”
That evening, international students enjoyed a traditional American Thanksgiving dinner, served family-style at long, casual tables. NU’s faculty and staff were on hand to share their holiday traditions.
The week wrapped up with a Public Speaking Club presentation by Parfait Bizimana, student from Rwanda, and a Breakfast & Board Games Late Nite Niagara event hosted by the university’s Office of Multicultural Affairs.