"I would rather die of passion than of boredom."
--Vincent van Gogh
Dear readers,
What does International Education Week mean to you? If you are one of the international students, the word international might quickly catch your eyes at first sight like it did to mine. Kathy, an admission staff whom I sit in the same room with while I work said to me that , to recognize and celebrate different cultures and people around the world is what it means to her.
I'd have to say, the fact that International Education Week exists in this country warms my heart. I understand it as people here willing to embracing cultural differences. It definitely creates a positive climate for diversity.
On November 13, international students and students who have studied away hosted tables that represented various countries’ highlighted cultures in Hong hall’s lounge room during International Education Week.
Besides Mongolia, there were 11 other countries that were also tabling during the display.
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| Photo: Vu Dao |
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| Photo: Vu Dao |
Moving from one corner of the room, the crowds strolled through a variety of interactive activities, past Japan’s table, which demonstrated calligraphy art by writing people’s names in Japanese, past France’s table where a mini French place matching game was available to play, past Vietnam’s table where traditional outfits from different regions were ready for tryout, past the table of Thailand where one learned to write Thai, to the next corner of the room where Norway had set a table for waffle and cheese tasting.
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| Photo: Vu Dao |
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| Photo: Vu Dao |
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| Photo: Vu Dao |
And the display continued. It went on to Mexico, America, Trinidad & Tobago, China, Germany, and Dominica (read more...)
On Nov 15, our annual International Visit Day held by PLU's International Admission office welcomed and hosted international students from 4 local community colleges -- Piece College, Highline Community College, Tacoma Community College, and Olympic Colleg. We provided a chance for any students to learn more about PLU.
The day was rainy as usual, but the students seemed to enjoy the campus tour and all the activities we facilitated. As someone who was in charge of the event, I lost my voice on that important day, embarrassed, for some lame reason, such as talking too much the previous day. Not being able to speak wasn't something I had expected, but thankfully, I had a handful of amazing coworkers and volunteers. Special thanks to Hiro, Heather, Chritian, Kari, Henry, Simba, Ella, Madeleine, Vu, Red, and David who helped putting this event together. The night moved through quickly and smoothly with all your hard work.
As our closing activity, we took the students to see our annual talent show, Global Getdown, that celebrates diversity every year. The performers were stunning, and the crowds were huge! Special thanks to our guests who decided to perform and be part of our celebration: Mei Wen, Amadou S. Jallow, Masayuki Takahashi & Yuki Oikawa, and Yuanshan Jiang.
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| Yuanshan Jiang is experienced in playing Piano. Photo: Vicky Murray |
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| Amadou S. Jallow gave a funny speech about cultural differences. Photo: Vicky Murray |
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| Masayuki Takahashi & Yuki Oikawa performed Michael Jackson's "Thriller" Photo: Vicky Murray |
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| Mei Wen sang a lovely Chinese Song. Photo: Vicky Murray |
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| Dance Team Photo: Vicky Murray |
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| Photo: Vicky Murray |
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| MC Lauren Alana Mendez Photo: Vicky Murray |
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| "Celebrate", by Olivia Ash Photo: Vicky Murray |
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| Photo: Vicky Murray |
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| "After Rain", sang by Chinese students Photo: Vicky Murray |
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| David Nguyen Leon Photo: Vicky Murray |
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| "What Does the Fox say?" Photo: Vicky Murray |
If you missed our Visit Day this year, we hope to see you in our next year's Spring Visit Day, or Fall Visit Day. It will be a memorable experience. Pinky promise!
Stay tuned and take care!
Love always,
Shishi
