Fanshawe College is joyfully embracing cultural diversity during its highly anticipated International Week celebration, hosting a series of engaging events aimed at fostering global awareness among its student community. The week commenced with a delightful pancake breakfast, giving international students the opportunity to indulge in the quintessentially Canadian breakfast experience, all set against the backdrop of the popular movie ‘Scott Pilgrim versus the World’.
“We do this with events throughout the week,” said Laura Costigan, the International Projects and Exchanges Coordinator at the International Centre. The events are not just limited to the breakfast; they include various activities aimed at ensuring both local and international students gain insight and appreciation for each other’s cultures.
The program for this year's International Week kicked off successfully, with the pancake breakfast being just the first of many exciting gatherings. On Tuesday, Feb. 4, students attended a session hosted by Career Services aimed at helping international students navigate their career paths within Canada. The hub of festivities continued on Wednesday when the celebration joined forces with the popular Winterfest.
The highlight of the week is set to be the Cultural Expo on Thursday, which promises to be both informative and entertaining. “The Cultural Expo will feature tables showcasing different countries, performances, and snacks,” Costigan explained. She emphasized the importance of this event, stating, “This is going to be a chance for students to show off where they’re from and elements of their culture from their home country.”
After being put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s expo marks the event's eagerly awaited return. With at least 10 tables planned to represent countries including India, several African nations, Colombia, Nepal, and Korea, participants can look forward to discovering the rich variety of cultures present within the college community.
Costigan shared her enthusiasm about the event, highlighting its role in bridging cultural gaps. “It helps everybody understand what makes everybody unique, but also how similar we can be in different ways as well,” she noted. The Cultural Expo aims to create interactions between students, encouraging dialogue and mutual respect, which are fundamental for fostering inclusivity.
International Week at Fanshawe College serves as not only a platform for international students to showcase their heritage but also as an opportunity for local students to learn and appreciate the wide array of cultures represented on campus. The college is committed to creating a welcoming environment where diversity is celebrated, and students are encouraged to share their stories and traditions.
Throughout this week, participants eager to explore or even just to sample snacks from across the globe will be met with warm welcomes at each of the booths. Each table is set to offer more than just culinary delights; they will provide insights about their country’s traditions, customs, and day-to-day life, enriching the experience for everyone involved.
Fanshawe College's International Week is much more than just events and food. It is about building connections, sharing experiences, and learning from one another. It reflects the college’s dedication to nurturing diversity and inclusion as core values.
Efforts like these are significant not merely for the sake of celebration but for instilling important life skills among students, particularly those who are international and may feel isolated. By participating in events like the Cultural Expo, students gain the confidence to express themselves and take pride in their backgrounds.
With the diversity of events structured throughout International Week, Fanshawe College encourages its community, both local and international, to take part and expand their worldview. Every table at the Expo, every performance, and every collaboration signifies the college's strong belief in the power of cultural appreciation.
International Week is set to inspire and unite, creating pathways for friendships and enriching educational experiences. Such celebrations remind us of the beauty of cultural exchange and the value of learning from one another.
The college encourages all students to participate and take this opportunity to understand the rich tapestries of cultures represented within their own community, making for another memorable year of reflection, education, and unity through diversity.