SRU International Week showcases students’ culture from across the globe

Nov. 15, 2018

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. — Slippery Rock University's international students will be sharing a piece of their homes with the campus community during a weeklong celebration showcasing their cultures when the 45th Annual International Week kicks off Nov. 17.

The seven-day event is co-sponsored by SRU's Office for Global Engagement, the International Club at SRU and the Study Abroad Club at SRU.

"The week allows our American students the opportunity to really engage in different cultures or, maybe for the first time, with international students, as not everyone studies abroad," said Noora Alie, assistant director of international student services in the Office for Global Engagement. "The sharing of cultures between students is a unique and special thing during this event and is exciting for everyone involved. Everyone gets a chance to share who they are and what being from their particular part of the world means to them.

"Overall, it becomes a learning and teaching moment for all the students, which t is really amazing to see. To have them experience and understand the different cultures that make up our campus community is important."

There are 34 countries currently represented at SRU by more than 70 students, including the Philippines, Norway, Bolivia, Spain and the Dominican Republic among others.

Events for the week include:

• International Sports Night, 2-4 p.m., Nov. 17, Aebersold Recreation Center: This is a free event that offers students an opportunity to participate in a variety of sports that are played both nationally and internationally, including popular games such as table tennis (South Korea and China); volleyball (Sri Lanka and Brazil); cricket (England, Australia, various African nations) and the globally popular futbol, otherwise known as soccer in the U.S. Those wishing to participate are asked to come early so that teams can be organized. Walk-ins will be welcome. An information table will be available outside the ARC. For additional information, contact Prajwal Ghimire, a junior computing major from Libang, Nepal and president of the International Club at SRU, at pxg1009@sru.edu.

• The International Fashion Show, 8 p.m., Nov. 18, Smith Student Center Ballroom: This free event will feature American and international students modeling clothing from various cultures and regions including Asia, Europe, Central and South America. Students wishing to participate can contact Prajwal.

• The International Coffee House, 12:30-1:30 p.m., Nov. 19, SSC Theater: This event will offer free, culturally-unique coffee and tea blends from different regions around the world. Artifacts from the home countries of many of SRU's international students will be on display. Pastries and other snacks will be provided.

• International Spicy Noodle Night, 6-8 p.m., Nov. 20, Building F Great Room: This free event will feature a broad range of spicy noodles from the Middle East, Asia and South Korea. A "Spicy Noodle Challenge" will pit students against increasingly spicier bowls of noodles. The student that eats the spiciest of the bunch will win a prize.

• International Roundtable, 12:30-1:30 p.m., Nov. 21, Eisenberg Classroom Building, Room 111: Hosted by SRU's School of Business, this event provides an opportunity for students to address current cross-cultural issues. This year's topic is "How has your home country become more sustainable over the last decade?"

• 45th Annual International Dinner, 7 p.m., Nov. 23, SSC Ballroom: The culminating event for the week, this buffet-style meal annually draws approximately 300 guests from the University and Slippery Rock communities. Attendees will be treated to singing, dancing and other performances while enjoying more than three-dozen ethnic dishes prepared and served by international students. Admission for the event is $25.50 for the general public, $15.50 for students and $10.50 for children under the age of 12. Tickets can be purchased in advance at the Smith Student Center Information Desk. For information about purchasing group tickets, contact the Office for Global Engagement at 724.738.2057.

MEDIA CONTACT: Lesa Bressanelli | 724.738.2091 | lnb1009@sru.edu