Celebrating Diversity: International Education Week at UNI

Celebrating Diversity: International Education Week at UNI

In Collaboration with Prolific Magazine

The University of Northern Iowa (UNI) hosted its vibrant International Education Week (IEW) from November 18 to November 22, 2024, showcasing the importance of cultural diversity and global understanding. This annual event brought students, faculty, and staff together to celebrate the university’s international community while fostering meaningful connections and cross-cultural learning.

With a variety of events that ranged from academic lectures to cultural showcases and interactive experiences, IEW provided a platform for exploring traditions from around the world. As global perspectives become increasingly important, IEW encourages participants to embrace cultural differences while deepening their knowledge of international customs and practices.

A Week of Discovery and Engagement

Throughout the week, attendees enjoyed a rich array of activities designed to educate, entertain, and inspire. From tasting global cuisines to dancing, singing, and learning about international traditions, the events enriched the campus atmosphere and created opportunities for personal and academic growth.

Monday Highlights: Exploring Japan

The week kicked off with a celebration of Japanese culture. In collaboration with the Asian Student Union, JOI Coordinator Maoko Umeda introduced students to traditional Japanese attire through a Yukata and Kimono Photo Booth in Maucker Union. Attendees had the opportunity to try on these beautiful garments, enjoy Japanese snacks, and capture memorable moments.

Later that evening, Umeda hosted a traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony. Students learned the intricacies of this centuries-old practice, tasted authentic matcha, and crafted traditional Japanese sweets. The event was a serene yet interactive experience that highlighted the elegance of Japanese culture

Personal Stories from International Students

One of the most meaningful aspects of IEO was hearing directly from international students about their experiences navigating cultural differences and sharing their traditions. Among them was JOI Coordinator Maoko Umeda, who reflected on her journey of adjusting to life in the United States and embracing opportunities to connect with others through cultural exchange.

For Umeda, International Education Week became a platform to introduce Japanese traditions to the UNI community. “It’s a great opportunity to promote Japanese culture!” Umeda shared enthusiastically, emphasizing how such events allow students from different backgrounds to learn from one another.

Navigating Cultural Differences

Umeda recalled moments of culture shock upon her arrival in the U.S., including the significant differences in food portions. “Honestly, everything is different from Japan. The size of the food... is very big!” she exclaimed, recounting an experience when she ordered a pizza far larger than she expected. “I only ate one piece of pizza. It was enough for me,” she said, laughing at the memory.

Another notable difference for Umeda was the casual friendliness of American social interactions. “People in the U.S. are very kind. I didn’t realize or expect that,” she said, reflecting on the stark contrast to Japanese social norms, where interactions are typically more reserved. “In Japan, everyone is very shy and we don’t talk to each other as often,” Umeda explained. The simple greetings she encountered in the U.S., such as “Hi, how are you?” or “Good morning,” were initially surprising but eventually became part of her daily routine. “Now I always use American greetings,” she said, noting how she had come to appreciate this aspect of U.S. culture.

Celebrating Unique Cultural Traditions

For Umeda, one of the highlights of IEW was hosting a Japanese Tea Ceremony on campus. “There are many unique cultures in Japan, and there are unique traditions in each of them,” she shared, noting that practices like calligraphy, tea-making, and Japanese cuisine are important parts of the country’s heritage.

Umeda expressed a desire to host more workshops at UNI in the future to introduce Japanese culture through its food. “My favorite food is sushi, takoyaki, and taiyaki,” she said with a smile, eager to share these dishes with others. She also appreciated how many students at UNI already had an interest in Japanese anime, which helped foster connections. “I’m happy students can show appreciation for my culture in different ways,” Umeda said, recognizing that anime, food, and traditional practices offer various avenues for cultural exchange.

Academic and Cultural Programming

IEW balanced cultural celebration with academic enrichment, featuring engaging lectures and discussions that tackled global topics. On Monday afternoon, international scholar Luthando Mpho Molefe delivered a presentation on “Interweaving a Service-Learning and an Academic Classroom Thread as a Transformative Pedagogy.” His research explored the value of combining academic coursework with community engagement to address societal challenges.

Tuesday brought further intellectual stimulation with Dr. Robert Krueger’s Fulbright Lecture on “U.S. and Brazilian ‘Slave Narratives’: History, Literature, Culture, & Canon.” Dr. Krueger’s presentation highlighted Brazil’s unique historical relationship with slavery, drawing comparisons to U.S. slave narratives and challenging traditional understandings of these genres

Taste of Culture

Tuesday evening’s “Taste of Culture” event was a true highlight of the week. Hosted in the Maucker Union Ballrooms, the event featured performances, food, and activities representing a wide variety of countries and traditions.

Attendees were captivated by a Brazilian drum group, a mariachi band, and a traditional Chinese dance performance. The event also included storytelling sessions with the Cedar Falls Public Library and hands-on cultural displays, creating an atmosphere of joy and discovery.

Bringing the World to Instagram

For those who couldn’t attend in person, International Admissions hosted Instagram Live sessions featuring international students from Nigeria, China, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Ghana. These virtual events allowed viewers to experience the richness of global cultures from the comfort of their screens, with students sharing personal stories and showcasing the beauty of their homelands.

Honoring Connections and Partnerships

The week concluded with a private Thanksgiving Dinner hosted by Treehouse Ministries. This event celebrated the contributions of UNI’s partner organizations, host families, and international students, providing a heartfelt opportunity to express gratitude and reflect on the importance of community.

A Legacy of Unity

International Education Week at UNI is more than a celebration; it’s a testament to the power of cultural exchange and understanding. By creating spaces for dialogue, learning, and shared experiences, IEW continues to strengthen the bonds between students, faculty, and the global community.

As the 2024 program draws to a close, it leaves behind a legacy of inspiration and unity, encouraging all participants to embrace diversity and build a more interconnected world.

Check out other collaborations with student run magazine, Prolific below.