International Education Week is a national program sponsored by the U.S. Department of State to celebrate the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide. With close to 500 students from over 70 countries here at UCA, IEW gives these students the opportunity to share many facets of their culture with the community. Additionally, IE uses this week to promote education abroad with the Office of Study Abroad, and to show how the work of the academic departments and students groups can have a global impact!
In celebration of International Education Week, the Office of International Engagement invites faculty, students, and staff to attend the events listed below.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16
Japanese Autumn Festival: 2:00 PM-5:00 PM, Student Center Ballroom
The Japanese Outreach Initiative in AR and the UCA Japanese Club will have “OMATSURI” Japanese Festival to include Japanese food, performances, and many activity booths. Not only UCA students but also those from Hendrix College, Arkansas Tech University, ASMSA, and the Little Rock Japanese School will perform. The event will also feature the Central Arkansas Bonsai Society, Arkansas Kendo (one of the traditional Japanese martial arts) Club, Hot Springs Japanese Dance Team, a Japanese Drum Performer (Kae Reed) and others. This event will provide a unique opportunity for members of our community to enjoy and learn more about Japanese culture!
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 17
International Soccer Tournament: 1:00 PM-6:00 PM, Softball Fields
In partnership with the UCA Ivorian Association, we will have a soccer tournament on Sunday, November 17, beginning at 1:00pm . Teams will play 8-on-8 matches, and each team can have a maximum of 2 alternates. This event is open to all UCA students, including domestic students. Teams can be made up entirely of students from one country, or there can be several countries represented on one team. Each team must have at least one international student.
Each member of the winning team will receive a trophy. Sign ups are open until Wednesday, November 8.
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 18
Chinese Traditional Five Animal Form Exercises: 1:30 PM-3:00 PM, Student Center Amphitheater
Bridging the Gap: 6:00 PM-8:00 PM, Student Center Ballroom
The UCA Office of Diversity and Community will work with several African, African-American, and Caribbean student groups to host a cultural night of performances and food emphasizing both the similarities and unique differences.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19
Global Expo: 1:00 PM-3:00 PM, Outside Student Center
The Global Expo is an opportunity for all international students to share a small part of their culture with other UCA students. In addition to our individual countries, we will have representatives from the different cultural RSOs, as well as from UCA’s Intensive English Program, Confucius Institute, and the Office of Study Abroad. There will be several aspects of this event, including:
Study Abroad Fair: There will be booths representing all upcoming semester and summer study abroad opportunities, as well as students who are currently visiting UCA as exchange students.
Culture Show: Students from different countries will perform by dancing, singing, playing instruments or wearing their traditional clothes.
In case of bad weather, this event will be in the McCastlain Ballroom.
Latin Dance Night: 5:00 PM-7:00 PM, Student Center 223/224
Latin dance Night will be a night full of music with salsa instructor, Leah Patterson, presented by the Latino Student Association. We will learn the basic steps of salsa, bachata and other music. Let the Latin Rhythm begin!
Group Drumming with interactive Rhythm: 7:00 PM-9:30 PM, Student Center 223/224
Join the UCA Drum & Dance Club to play drums or free style dancing! Connect and de-stress simultaneously. Several varieties of drums & percussion instruments from different countries are available for playing!
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20
Conversation Partner Panel: 4:00 PM-6:00 PM, Mirror Room McAlister Hall
This event is open to everyone who is interested in having a Conversation Partner. Some of our current partners will talk about their experience. Snacks will be provided so please come join us.
K-Pop Dance Class: 8:00 PM-9:30 PM, HPER Center
Feel free to join the UCA Korean Club and enjoy learning how to dance to K-POP!
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21
Feast of the Nations: 5:00 PM-6:30 PM, Hall of Fame Room in Bear Hall
All international students are welcome to a fun and diverse Thanksgiving potluck hosted by Chi Alpha! Bring a dish from your country to share among friends. It will be a wonderful feast from around the nations!
Trivia Night: 7:00 PM-10:00 PM, McCastlain Fireplace Room
Students can sign up with up to 6-person teams to compete in a Trivia Night hosted by Team Global! Teams who answer questions based on global trivia will win a prize!
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22
The opening session of the 2019 AMUN Conference is open to all interested students!
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 23
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25
Thanksgiving Dinner: 5:00 PM, McCastlain Ballroom
Join us for a Thanksgiving meal before the break, International Engagement will provide a traditional meal!