Students from around the world gather together in the halls of Pierce to depict the cultures of their homes during International Education Week.
This event is celebrated across the United States as a way for American students to recognize and learn about the different nationalities represented in their schools. Pierce College is one of hundreds to participate in this week of cultural education. While it usually takes place mid-November, International Education Week is held in February for Pierce.
“We did a sort of mini international fair that week, but because it is the fall quarter, which is our busiest intake of students, it is always impossible to organize that many students,” Jennifer Gruver, international student activities coordinator, said.
Created to expose students to the many different aspects of other cultures, this event has been present in all types of settings for years. First brought to the college in association with the International Department almost 20 years ago, this event has prospered and continued to attract students.
“For the most part, it is meant to internationalize the campus,” Gruver said.
Held the week of Feb. 13, there will be a plethora of activities that students can observe and participate in, including a student panel to demonstrate life in Africa, an international fashion show, and a trivia game, which reoccurs annually.
“It is a competition between the Puyallup campus and the Ft. Steilacoom campus,” Gruver said. “We try to get a teacher and his or her class involved, with five or six students on the panel to answer the questions.”
“The winning team gets a small trophy that keeps going back and forth between the campuses,” Gruver added.
Tuesday, Feb. 14, may not have as many events due to the fact that the college will be celebrating Valentines Day with activities organized by Student Programs.
A new activity will be held on Thursday, Feb. 16, as international students take a stroll on the catwalk, presenting their cultural attire. This international fashion show will take place in association with the Student Programs’ Talent Show.
As a cap to the inspiring week, a foreign film will be shown in the Lecture Hall of the Cascade Building (room 332). Previous screenings have included a German made film and a Chinese film. Although the attendance rate does not reach exponential numbers, this activity has been reoccurring as a part of the International Education Week.
Not only does this event offer many different knowledgable activities, but it gives the students a chance to bond, connecting each individual by similarities in their backgrounds and ways of life.
International Education Week also brings the different cultures of the world inside of the walls of Pierce College for students to enjoy.
“I think for the most part, I want students to see something new and travel locally,” Gruver explained. “If they can’t go overseas they can see something here that they wouldn’t see otherwise.”
All students are welcome to participate in this International Education Week to better their knowledge of other cultures. More information can be seen on the Pierce College website, and on the television screens around campus.
“We are just hoping for a good turnout,” Gruver said.
Written by Sydney Conrad