EMU INTERNATIONAL WEEK SPARKS CULTURAL APPETITE

YPSILANTI - Eastern Michigan University has students from more than 100 different countries and during International Week, Oct. 24-30, some of them will be sharing their unique cultures. Starting with the United Nations Day Reception and finishing with the Study Abroad Fair, you can pack your week full of cultural appreciation.

“We’re excited once again to be able to showcase the different nationalities representing the EMU community through a series of multicultural events,” said Justin Meilgaard, study abroad advisor, EMU Academic Programs Abroad.

Some of the highlights of International Week include:

Weekdays beginning Wednesday, Oct. 23:
• Brownbag Lecture Series, noon-1 p.m., Gallery 1, McKenny Union. Bring a lunch to this international lecture series and listen to speakers from the College of Education, the College of Health and Human Services, Career Services Center and more speak about aspects of different countries. Topics include politics and education in Nigeria, Russia’s health care system, and the Comparative Education program.

Thursday, Oct. 24:
•United Nations Day Reception, noon-1 p.m., McKenny Union Ballroom. The reception features speakers from the Ypsilanti Council, Dean of Students Greg Peoples, and Vice President of Student Affairs Jim Vick. The event will include a classical West Indian dance by Anandini Chandra Sekhar, a Chinese piano recital by Dian-Yuan Ye, and singing provided by the children’s choir from the Children’s Institute and Paul Webb, director of the Office of International Students. Paella, a Spanish dish, will be served along with vegetables and cookies.
•International Concert, 7-11 p.m., McKenny Union Ballroom. The Mexican dance group, Ballet Folklorica Club of TEC de Monterrey, will perform the “History of Tango.”

Saturday, Oct. 26:
•Dandiya Fest 2002, 7 p.m.-midnight, Bowen Field House. This Indian festival, presented by the Indian Students Association, is celebrated all over India and promises a night filled with music and dancing. Dhaval Vaishnav’s “Nupoor,” will perform Indian dances from 7:30-10:30 p.m. DJ Divine, DJ Saiya, and DJ Ricky will follow with a presentation of the Hip/Hop/Bhangra/Hindi film dance. Indian Chaat food will be available. General admission is $5. Student tickets are $3 and children 10 and under are free. For tickets, call Vrajesh Gandhi, 734-480-1807, or 734-678-6222.

Monday, Oct. 28:
•Mexican dance concert, featuring the Ballet Folklorico Club. They will perform “Mexican Folkloric Dances,” noon-2 p.m., McKenny Union Ballroom.

Wednesday, Oct. 30:
•Study Abroad Fair, 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., McKenny Union Ballroom. The recruitment fair will provide information on all of the study abroad programs at EMU, from European cultural history tours to intensive language programs in French, Spanish or German. Students also have the opportunity to speak to financial aid to learn about funding options available for study abroad programs.

Most events are free and all are open to the public. For a complete schedule of events, contact Meilgaard, 734-487-0312, visit the ISA Web site at http://dsa.emich.edu/isa/ or the OIS Web site at http://www.dsa.emich.edu/ois/.

###