International Education Week celebrated different cultures on campus

The International Center planned many events and activities last week, welcoming all students to meet new people and learn about new cultures. 

Opening ceremony

On Nov. 12, the International Center (IC) held its opening kickoff celebration on the Engineering Meadow. The event started at 11:30 a.m. and ended at 1:30 p.m. 

The kickoff event was the beginning of IC, trying to bring international awareness to CPP.

The IC painted a huge globe of the world on the meadow and all students who came by were offered a flag and were given specific instructions.

Fourth-year computer engineer student Christopher Meade is a student assistant for the IC. “You can put it in a country you’ve been to, a country you’re from or a country you want to visit,” Meade said.

The opening ceremony had a high student turnout and was the first of many events planned for last week by the IC. 

Fredrick Douglas Global Fellowship

Between 2:30-3:30 p.m. Nov. 13, students went to the IC in Building 1, room 104 to gain information about a summer program traveling to Cape Town, South Africa. 

To be eligible for the program, students must be either freshmen or sophomores. Students must also qualify for the Pell Grant by being an undergraduate and displaying a need for financial assistance. Students who do qualify will have all program fees and travel expenses paid for. 

According to the IC website, students will also receive three course credits for the program. The trip is a four-week summer course for the year 2020.  

Movie night and s’ mores

The IC provided a film screening of the movie “Maineland” at 5 p.m., Nov. 13. All students were welcomed to attend and learn a little bit about the meaning behind the film. 

The film illustrated two students who wanted to experience a culture not their own. The two main characters idolized Hollywood, but realized it isn’t exactly what it seems.

Japanese cultural events

Around 200 Japanese students visited CPP Nov. 14 to see everything the school has to offer. Some international students were paired with at least one CPP student volunteer to answer any questions they might have.

CPP’s Broncettes dance team performed several numbers for an adoring audience. Nihon Kogakuin students also performed several dance numbers. Seeing different dance styles from two different cultures was inspiring for many students. 

“We have students here who are actually from Japan to share their culture to Cal Poly students,” said Ying Wang, a fourth-year technical operations management student. “I think that’s really important how our school shows they care about a different culture and different race.”

Global Café

“Global Café is the idea that I came (up) with …. Same time every week just to have a coffee and everyone is welcome,” said Matthew Walters, director of the IC.  

As of now, the Global Café was a one-time event; however, Walters is trying to hold the event weekly.

This event was located in the IC at 5:30 p.m. Nov. 14, where students were welcomed to grab coffee and s’ mores. A raffle also took place, allowing students to win gift cards and T-shirts. 

All students participated in travel-themed icebreakers and discussed topics like culture shock.

For those who missed last week’s festivities, two events are happening this week. 

The International Scholars Round Table event will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Nov. 20, located inside the IC.

The last event is the Study Abroad: Student Experience which will be located in Ursa Major in the Bronco Student Center. The event will start at 11:30 a.m. and end at 1:30 p.m. Nov. 21.