International Week 2008 has been brought to Bakersfield College to enlighten students about other ethnic groups from the world. In the nation, other schools will also bring global awareness for this weeklong event. The events are being presented by the Intercultural Student Association club, which started on Nov. 17 at the Fireside Room and will end with a dinner on Nov. 20.
“The dinner is going to be a thanksgiving function,” said Shohreh Rahman international counselor and advisor of the Intercultural club, “we are inviting instructors and basically thanking them in that night of appreciation.”
On Nov. 17, the day started with a speech by BC president Greg Chamberlain about this national celebration. According to Rahman, Chamberlain would like to establish an international program. Sending students to different countries in order to learn other cultures and languages.
Cultural music, art, films and beverages will be some of the events for students to interact with each other about different ethnic backgrounds. “The cup of culture is when students drink coffee or tea from a different country and casually share ideas,” said Rahman. “This is to share information, learn and exchange different experiences.” This event provided drinks from countries like India, Ethiopia and Colombia.
For students and professors to interact with each other, there was a banner sign up on the 18th, which is to have participants write about their home countries.
On Nov. 20, students will have an opportunity to learn how to dance an Indian traditional slow dance, which starts at 11 a.m. “They will use a non-verbal communication slow dance,” said Rahman.
Each day has a specific group theme. Nov. 17 was Africa, Nov. 18 was Asia, and Nov. 19 will be Latin America.