The University of New Haven has a fairly large percentage of international students. Students come from far reaching nations in the Middle East, South America, and everywhere in-between.
UNH has an International Student Organization, which puts on a events during the year, such as the Chinese Moon Festival, and the Diwali festival of lights, to highlight the diversity of the campus community. This past week, the International Student Organization had their annual International Week; five days of delicious cuisine, and informative facts about different cultures.
International Education Week is celebrated across the U.S., and was created by the Bureau of Cultural and International Affairs. UNH participated in this tradition from Nov. 11 to 15.
Tuesday, Nov. 12, a Taste of the World was displayed in Bartels with pictures, souvenirs, and facts of the Japanese culture. Samples of food were given out to make for a nice treat in passing. “For the Taste of the World events we had collaborated with the Study Abroad Office here on campus and they had chosen Denmark and Japan,” said Christopher Moise, international student advisor.
That evening, the International Coffee Hour was held in the Alumni Lounge, a two-hour relaxed presentation of students and what culture means to them. Students who had studied abroad, as well as international students, shared their experiences of immersion in a different country, and how this has benefited them.
“Our goal for the International Coffee Hour was to give UNH Factuly, Staff, and Students exposure to the learning experiences shared by our students who have studied abroad. During the coffee hour, we had a panel of domestic students who have studied abroad and international students. These students were asked questions that revolved around what they learned while studying abroad, and how it has changed their understanding or definition of being a Global Citizen. After the panel portion, we had our panelist facilitate small group discussion about our roles as Global Citizens both on and off campus,” said Moise. “Last year, our coffee hour was much more laid back. A discussion between attendees was mostly casual.
This year, however, we really aimed to have members of the UNH community reflect on what it means to be a member of the global community and evaluate their roles as a global citizen,” said Moise.
For dinner, Bartels Dining Hall served food of different cultures. A Mexican section featured tacos, a Greek section had gyros, an Irish section offered various vegetables such as Brussels sprouts, a Chinese area served stir-fried rice and vegetables, and a Middle-Eastern section presented falafel with tzatziki sauce on pita bread.
Wednesday, Nov. 13, a table was set up in Bartels displaying Russian culture, laden with biscuits, a matryoshka (Russian Doll), and bells. That afternoon, Jeffrey’s Fusion restaurant featured a menu of many ethnic dishes.
Thursday, Nov. 14, the last Taste of the World presentation focused on Denmark’s culture with food decorations, and facts.
Friday, Nov. 15, brought an end to the week with a Paella Night at Jeffrey’s Fusion. This dinner included a salad, a create-your-own paella, and dessert. Pella is a Spanish dish of simmering of chicken, vegetables, seafood, or rice, with saffron. Guests got to create their own paella and customize their experience with any combination of these ingredients.
