Dickinson College hosted the first event of International Education Week on Monday with an all-day Culture Appreciation day. Students were welcomed by culturally diverse groups with snacks and desserts from all over the world.

Monday’s event included an all-day gathering of people from different cultures in the HUB Social Hall. According to Lareina Zhang ’19, people were asked to dress up in traditional clothing and to bring desserts from their respective cultures.

“This gathering [is made up of] different cultural clubs and we asked them to bring some dessert[s]. This is a way to really engage with [other] students. [Show] them your culture and let them engage in your culture and talk to different students here. That is our goal; to educate people,” says Jiana Zhang ’17, who represented China.

“I think it is really important to let the community know…how many countries there are at Dickinson and that each country and culture is [different] and that we need to understand each other’s cultures,” she said.

According to Lareina Zhang, cultural appreciation day aimed to highlight the differences between cultures.

“Sometimes…people put labels on us. So sometimes people think [that because] I am from Asia, I am a nerd. But I am not actually a nerd. I am [different] from other people!” she said.

Associate Director of International Admissions, Ruth López said she hopes American students would take part in more events related to IEW.

“[This event is] a start. It’s great to be giving out. Even though it’s small right now, hopefully more domestic students will come in. [This] gives them the chance to try some of the food and talk with other students,” she stated.

Director of International Admission, Brian Atkins echoed López’s thoughts.

“This whole week is a national and international event. This comes from the United Nations, the United States State Department etc. It’s International Education Week, and the word education is important here. I personally think it’s important to get past just food, flags, and festivals,” he said. “This is that, that’s why this is only the beginning in terms of cultural awareness, sensitivity, understanding other cultures, which is what we’re trying to do in classes across the campus. This is just one way to physically see it and hopefully it will inspire thoughts for other programs!”

Sophia Trueblood ’20 appreciated W.I.N.D.’s efforts at raising awareness of the different cultures on campus.

“I think it’s really important to appreciate other cultures and this is a really good way to get everyone involved to see and learn about their classmates,” she said.

In addition to their daily events, W.I.N.D. has also posted several photos of international scenes around the HUB staircase. People are encouraged to join this contest by guessing where each photo was taken. Participants can submit their choices through the end of IEW.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs, International Education Week (IEW) is a joint initiative by the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education “to promote programs that prepare Americans for a global environment and attract future leaders from abroad to study, learn, and exchange experiences.”

At Dickinson IEW is sponsored by W.I.N.D., the International Student Experience Committee, the Center for Global Engagement, and the Popel Shaw Center. Programs are set to run Monday through Thursday, Nov. 19. Events will include an all day event with W.D.C.V. on Thursday, Nov. 17, the Hunger Banquet on Friday, Nov.18, and the 14th Annual Diversity monologues Contest on Saturday, Nov. 19.