This week, community members have the opportunity to immerse themselves into new cultures right here in Manhattan, Kansas. The week of March 27 to April 2 is International Week hosted by the International Coordinating Council.
The ICC works with international student organizations at Kansas State and various groups in the Manhattan community to help celebrate diversity and host cultural events like International Week.
“International Week is meant to celebrate the culture of the over 100 international students represented here at K-State,” Adelaide Klutse, masters student in applied family science and president of ICC, said. “It is celebrated so International students can show the Manhattan community and K-State what rich culture they have.”
The week-long celebration allows students and community members to get exposed to the diverse cultures at K-State right in Manhattan.
“Think of it as going around the world in seven days without stepping on a plane or out of Manhattan,” Klutse said.
The week is not only full of opportunities to learn about new places and cultures but also features several opportunities to attend events, showcasing a different event each night.
On Monday, March 27, the ICC hosted an International Fashion Show at the Union Forum Hall.
“Students and community members wore traditional clothes from their respective countries in the K-State Student Union’s Forum Hall,” Jessica de Oliveira Demarco, doctoral student in biological and agricultural engineering and secretary of ICC, said.
Tuesday consisted of a panel discussion at the Wildcat Chamber discussing the theme “Optimizing your International Exposure,” with a panel of people from different backgrounds speaking on experiences abroad.
The panel consisted of Kevin Flores Santos, director of Diversity and Multicultural Student Life; Kait Long, program/project admin in the school of leadership studies; Abena Damuah, graduate student in agricultural economics and Serenity Holmes, junior in modern languages.
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The ICC held dance lessons in the union courtyard on Wednesday and a cultural exhibition in the courtyard on Thursday. An international talent show at the union forum will accompany the closing ceremonies, with the show starting at 6 p.m on Saturday, April 2.
“Dancers, artists, singers and other talented individuals will share their rich culture through their talents,” Demarco said.
The ICC gives students from the U.S. opportunities to learn more about other cultures and gives students not from the U.S. a community of commonality.
“ICC is a learning space. Students on campus get to appreciate cultural diversity and learn a thing or two about other cultures,” Klutse said. “ICC provides guidance to international students and also serves as a voice for international students at the university level.”
As well as the International Week, the ICC hosts a Food Festival in the fall, the ICC championship, game nights and events such as socials for new international students on campus to help make them feel at home.
