Written by Fourth Estate Online Lifestyle Editor Arrielle Brooks
With International Week upon Mason yet again, organizations and departments around campus have organized a week full of events inspired by communities across the globe. All individuals are free to attend.
All Week
Teas from around the World
April 7 to April 11 – The Ridge – 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Sponsored by Housing and Residential Life, this event will be held each day of the week. Monday through Thursday will be dedicated to teas from a different nation (England, Korea, Japan and Africa), while Friday will feature an ‘All Around the World Tea Sampling Extravaganza.’ Drop by for a taste.
April 7
Dance Competition
Center for the Arts – 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Mason’s international student clubs will compete in a dance competition for the chance to perform at the Closing Ceremony & Dinner. Tickets are on sale at the CFA Box Office for $5 or free with valid Mason IDs.
April 8
Polyglot Performances
JC, Cinema – 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
This year’s Seventh Annual Polyglot Performances will feature student performances from various language departments, including Arabic, German, Turkish and much more. From short plays to poetry readings, these performances encourage linguistic diversity and multicultural understanding. Refreshments will be available.
CISA Student Research Showcase and Dessert Social
HUB, Ballroom – 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
The Center for International Student Access will host a showcase session featuring posters from international undergraduate students. These students have been researching issues of global poverty all semester, and are eager to share their work. International desserts will also be available for sampling.
Mediterranean Culture Night
JC, Dewberry Hall – 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Hosted by the Arab Student Association, Hellenic Society and the Lebanese Association, this night will feature food, music and dances from Mediterranean culture. Guests are encouraged to come learn about different aspects of Mediterranean countries.
South African Culture & Conflict Poetry Slam
JC, Meeting Room A – 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
The Honors College is sponsoring a night celebrating South Africa’s twentieth anniversary of democracy. Refreshments will be provided as Mason students and invited speakers perform.
April 9
Around the World with CGE Open House
JC, Room 235 – 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
The Center for Global Education is hosting an open house to inform students, faculty and staff about study abroad opportunities. Come learn about the various programs available at Mason.
1990s Decade Party
JC, Bistro – 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Jump back into the past with Global Crossings students, ACCESS students and the OIPS Student Advisory Board members. Learn what was happening around the globe during the 90s in this night of music, games and prizes.
International Movie Night
JC, Cinema – 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Off-Campus Student Programs and Services will show ‘Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom,’ a film chronicling Nelson Mandela’s life from childhood to his presidential inauguration in South Africa. Refreshments will be provided.
April 10
Get Crazy with Desis
JC, Bistro – 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
The Indian, Pakistani and Bengali Patriots Student Associations present an evening of events exploring Desi culture. Food, music and performances will showcase both the differences and similarities between these three cultures.
Africa Night
JC, Dewberry Hall – 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Highlighting different aspects of African culture, this celebration will showcase music, fashion, and different performances from various African cultures. This night is an opportunity to educate the Mason community on the achievements of African culture.
April 11
Chinese Cultural Workshop on Tea
East Building, Room 129 – 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
The Confucius Institute invites guests to come learn about different Chinese teas and the regions they come from. Chinese professors will prepare tea in the traditional Chinese style for guests to sample. Please email cimason@gmu.edu or call 703-993-7780 to RSVP.
Bacchanal 2014
JC, North Plaza (in case of rain, HUB Ballroom) – 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Celebrating the Caribbean tradition of Carnival from different islands, the Bacchanal is filled with performances and authentic Caribbean food and music for guests to enjoy.
Closing Ceremony & Dinner
JC, Dewberry Hall – 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Featuring food and music from around the world, this year’s Closing Ceremony serves as the culminating event of International Week. The CFA Box Office is selling tickets at $5 for students with Mason ID, $10 for faculty or staff, and $15 for community members.
Salsaholic
JC, Bistro – 10 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Free food, dance lessons and giveaways dominate this night-long salsa dancing celebration. Don’t forget to bring good dancing shoes.
April 12
Philippine Culture Night
JC, Dewberry Hall – 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Wrapping up the week of Culture Nights, the Philippine Culture Night will give guests an opportunity to experience different performances, food and music from the Philippines.
For additional information on International Week events, visit http://iweek.gmu.edu. For those unable to attend different events, live streams will also be provided by Mason Cable Network at http://masoncablenetwork.com/live.
(Photo courtesy of University Life)
