By: Haley Berley
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — This week the University of Arkansas is celebrating International Education Week. Including an international dress day, the international bazaar, a study abroad photo contest and a dance around the world event.
“Your first year all you think about is, ‘I wanna assimilate American culture, I don’t want to look or act Egyptian’…then once you come to events like this all you think about, ‘Woah, it’s fun. People are actually interested people wanna know more about my culture.’ It’s fine to be a weird mix, I’m international, I’m living in the US, I am being assimilated into the culture but I’m still not letting go of that part of me. It’s just a part of me I guess.” International student Samara ElTanawy said.
The International Connections Lounge in the Union was filled with faculty and students from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Showcasing live music, guest speakers and free food. Booths lined the walls each specific to one country. Attendees walked by each and had the opportunity to speak with someone from that country. International students had creations, objects and photographs from their country and spoke to the others about what life is like there.
Out of the entire student population, international students make up 5.3 percent. ElTanawy said this representation means a lot for students and faculty both. “It’s fun to know that you’re there even if you’re like a small amount of what’s being on campus. But it’s nice to be represented.”
Another student, Briana Veiga, from the Brasil said it’s an opportunity for personal growth as an American student. “Even if you’re not from that culture, it just helps develop a person more. It’s good to know and try to have more knowledge about the world and not just the United States.”
Anyone who is interested in getting involved this week can visit here for a full list of events that run through Friday, November 22.