• Wasta Shafquat, a mechanical engineering senior, offered students the chance to learn more about Pakistan at the Passport to the World event, which opened iWeek.

The University of Texas at Dallas celebrated its rich international culture with International Week — also known as iWeek — a series of events designed to highlight the diverse global influences on campus.

The events, sponsored by UT Dallas Intercultural Programs, with the participation of student cultural organizations and several University departments, kicked off March 28 with Passport to the World, which showcased traditions through food, music and more.

Plant-Based Tour of the World later that day featured a menu curated for students, with UTD Dining’s student associates creating a selection of plant-based Indian dishes. An evening of dancing at the Student Union — spotlighting bachata, salsa, kizomba and ballroom music — capped off the first day of events.

Other events included linguistics and calligraphy workshops; a moderated discussion about multiculturalism and interculturalism; table tennis, badminton and cricket tournaments; a Chinese tea ceremony; social gatherings; and cooking demonstrations.

The festivities culminated April 1 with a talent show featuring musical and dance performances.

Leticia Zamarripa, director of global engagement at UT Dallas, said the success of iWeek was only possible thanks to the collaboration of campus partners, cultural student organizations and volunteers.

“Together, once again, we had the opportunity to celebrate the unique global diversity of our university, fostering global engagement to continue strengthening UTD’s cultural appreciation and respect,” she said.

More iWeek photos can be found on Instagram.

iWeek Contest Winners

Passport to the World

  • Best in Show: 1st place: Bangladesh; 2nd place: India; 3rd place: Sri Lanka
  • Most Informative: Vietnam
  • Best Cuisine: India
  • Best National Dress: Pakistan
  • Best Newcomer: Chile
  • Most Creative: China
  • Best Hospitality: India and China
  • Special Recognition: Kenya

Global Talent Show

  • 1st Place: Indian Students Association
  • 2nd Place: Vietnamese International Network of Culture, Education and Friendship
  • 3rd Place: Pakistani Students Association
  • Special Recognition: Akil Kaushik Anand

Plant-Based Tour of the World

  • Winner: Bhavya Adduri: chana masala (spicy chickpeas)

Table Tennis

  • Men’s: Zhiyang Qin
  • Women’s: Annie Paul

Badminton

  • Mixed/CoRec Doubles: Bridge — Yaoqiao Hu and Melissa Delk
  • Men Doubles: Shuttlers — Sai Rishabh Vanga and Khushfateh Singh Sikand
  • Men Singles: Giridhar Reddy Kandala
  • Women Singles: Emily Banditrat
  • Women Doubles: Ace Birdies — Lakshmi Kadimcherla and Nisha*

*No last name

Cricket

  • Bharatiya Cricket Party