The International Talent Show features songs and dance from around the globe.
With its international talent show, henna, foreign films and table tennis tournament, the events and activities associated with International Week at UT Dallas are popular springtime campus traditions.
A celebration of the University’s diverse student body, iWeek kicks off Monday, April 2, with “Passport to the World” in the Student Union Galaxy Rooms. From 12 to 2 p.m., participants will represent their countries with clothing, cuisine, design and artifacts. Judges from across campus will select the best food, national dress and overall display.
There are more than 3,500 international students from 100 countries enrolled at the University, and iWeek is all about paying homage to as many as possible, according to Andrea Diaz, International Student Services Office (ISSO) program coordinator.
“International Week is a great opportunity for us to celebrate the different people, cultures and perspectives that are here at the University,” Diaz said. “It is the most exciting week of the year for us in the ISSO, and we look forward to helping our students showcase their cultures.”
In recent years, the office has held a contest for the iWeek T-shirt design, and this year’s winner was arts and technology student Chukwuemeka “Emeka” Ikebude. He said the sphere depicted in his winning design “symbolizes the parts of the world from which students come.”
iWeek events are sponsored by the ISSO and various other student organizations and campus departments.
iWeek Events
Monday, April 2: Passport to the World, an international festival that showcases culture through food, music, and more. Noon-2 p.m. in the SU Galaxy rooms.
Tuesday, April 3: Table Tennis Tournament and Badminton Tournament, from 7 p.m.- midnight at the Activity Center main gym.
Wednesday, April 4: Henna, 1-3 p.m. at the Women’s Center, SSB 4.300.
Thursday, April 5: International Films, three movies screened at different venues on campus at 7:30 p.m.
Friday, April 6: International Talent Show, 7 p.m. in the Alexander Clark Center, featuring songs and dance from around the globe. The talent show will be judged. While judges deliberate on entries, there will be an international fashion show.
Friday, April 6: World Beats Dance Party at 9:30 p.m. (following the International Talent Show), Student Union Galaxy Rooms.