Next week every student and Manhattan community member will get a chance to come together and celebrate diversity at K-State during the 2008 International Week festivities.
The week begins with a talent show on Sunday and will include numerous activities and opportunities for students to learn more about international student groups on campus.
"It is to celebrate diversity on the K-State campus and bring people together for cross culture awareness," said Lenka Hadamova, president of the International Coordinating Council.
"We try to improve cultural exchanges, and provide opportunities for everyone on campus and the Manhattan community," said Jimmy Wu, second-year graduate student and English Language Program activity coordinator.
International Week coincides with Philippine-American Heritage Week and will include a movie showing on Tuesday evening and a Barrio Fiesta on Thursday afternoon.
"The biggest event is the International Festival of Talents," Wu said. "It has so many different dances like the Taiwanese Aboriginal Dance, Indian Shadow Dance, and the Chinese traditional and modern music."
Wu also said that the Cultural Exhibition, which will be held in the Union Courtyard, will have 11 countries participating in it, and they will have a table to display information about the culture.
It is important for students to learn more about different cultures around the world and be able to step outside of their own cultures and experience others, Wu said.
"You are here to learn not only about yourself but to change your way of life, and International Week will teach you a flexible way to do it and have fun at the same time," Hadamova said.
Going to the events will help students meet new people and use their classroom knowledge in a social setting, Wu said.
"It's a great opportunity because students take what they learn in classes like anthropology into practice," Wu said.
International Week 2008 - Sunday, April 6 - Saturday, April 12*
Sunday, April 6
International Festival of Talents
7 - 9 p.m., McCain Auditorium
Monday, April 7
Cultural Exhibition
10 a.m. - 2 p.m., K-State Student Union Courtyard
Tuesday, April 8
The Afghanistan Mission
6 - 7 p.m., Holiday Inn
Movie Festival
7 - 9 p.m., Forum Hall, Union
Wednesday, April 9
International Fashion Show
7 - 9 p.m., Forum Hall
Thursday, April 10
Philippine Barrio Fiesta
noon - 1 p.m., Union Courtyard
Friday, April 11
Coffee Hour: "China's Olympics Dream"
4 - 5 p.m., International Student Center
International Dance Lessons
7 - 9 p.m., Rec
Saturday, April 12
Central Kansas Japanese Festival
11 a.m. - 5 p.m.,
K-State Student Union
INTERNATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS 2008 AT K-STATE **THE EVENINGS of April
14th to April 20th
