St. Thomas will celebrate a world of cultural and epicurean delights Nov. 14-19 during International Education Week. This annual event is sponsored by International Programs: the International Education Center, the Office of International Student Services and the ELS Language Center.
Celebrate with St. Thomas’ International Programs by participating in the following activities.
All week
The Grill will offer international food specials throughout the week. (See calendar below for daily specials.)
Monday, Nov. 14
- “Can You Hear the ‘Pelo Mi’ (Melody)?: Exploring the Impact of Senegalese Literature and Arts on Marketing Communications,” presentation by Dr. Nakeisha Ferguson, Marketing Department, noon-1 p.m., in the Rogge Room, Murray-Herrick Campus Center (light lunch will be provided).
- Ferguson will speak about her travels to Senegal and research related to understanding how cultural nuisances can impact the exchange between art, literature and advertising. Senegal has a very strong hip-hop community; however, its essence is far more political when compared to the United States. A goal of her research was to compare the effectiveness of music as a tool for not only brands but political messages as well. She examines cross-cultural comparisons, including the differences or similarities found in consumers’ thoughts regarding authenticity (i.e., what makes a placement genuine, and how this perception impacts response to the artist), attitudes toward payment for promotion, etc.
- Uganda Cultural Performance, 7-9 p.m., Scooter’s, Murray-Herrick Campus Center
- Grill menu – Gyros with fries and large soda, $6.50; Baklava, $1 (Greece)
Tuesday, Nov. 15
- “History and Practice of the Ancient Art of Belly Dance,” 10:30 a.m.-noon in the Luann Dummer Center for Women, O’Shaughnessy Education Center.
- Belly dance, originating from the Middle East, India and parts of Africa, is an ancient dance celebrating fertility, creativity and childbirth. While the most featured part is the hips, belly dance has evolved over time to encompass many different styles, genres and subcultures of dance. At this session, students will have the opportunity to learn more about the history of belly dance. Learn some of the basics and how the moves are put together into modern-day choreography.
- Japanese Tea Ceremony, 2-4 p.m., in the Fireside Room, Murray-Herrick Campus Center.
- Experience an authentic Japanese traditional tea ceremony and treats. Learn the history behind the ceremonial preparation, presentation and art of the tea ceremony.
- Grill menu – Chicken biryani, $5.25 (Pakistan)
Wednesday, Nov. 16
- CultureLink Tea presentation about Germany, 2-3 p.m. in Room 155, Murray-Herrick Campus Center.
- A UST international student from Germany will speak while everyone else enjoys tea and treats.
- “From Dakar to Port Loko: Perspectives from West Africa,” 5-7:30 p.m. in O’Shaughnessy Educational Center auditorium. Documentary showing and discussion with filmmaker Nathaniel Kogley.
- This documentary focuses on breaking the popular perceptions of Africans and allows the individual African perspectives and personalities to come through. Topics include USA foreign policy, work and economics, community development and civil war.
- Horn of Africa Benefit, hosted by ANSA (African Nations Student Association), 7:30-9:30 p.m. in O’Shaughnessy Educational Center auditorium.
- This event is dedicated to awareness about the drought and famine in East Africa.
- Grill menu – Kabsa, $5 (Saudi Arabia)
Thursday, Nov. 17
- International Food and Fun Fair, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in Anderson Athletic and Recreation Center field house. The fair will feature international food, music from around the world, the opportunity to learn about the different countries represented at St. Thomas – and more. Dining Services will serve lunch at this event rather than in the cafeteria.
- Grill menu – Chinese buffet, $6.25 (China)
Friday, Nov. 18
- Cuba Reflection with Cassie Bean, 2-3 p.m., in Room 155, Murray-Herrick Campus Center.
- Bean, the cultural programs manager and international student adviser of ISS, will reflect on her recent trip to Cuba.
- Grill menu – Blazing red fish with fries and large soda, $6.50 (Norway)
Saturday, Nov. 19
- GMSA CultureFest, 6:30-9 p.m. in Anderson Athletic and Recreation Center field house. This fun-filled event promotes international awareness in the St. Thomas community and offers a number of different cultural performances staged throughout the evening. For more information about this event email Geena Maharaj.
