Ohio University will celebrate International Week March 31 through April 7 with a wide range of events for students, faculty, staff and areas residents.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the International Week celebration, which will include the always-popular International Street Fair on Saturday, April 6.
“The International Street Fair is an amazing opportunity for students, community members, and family to experience the world for a day,” explained International Student Union (ISU) President Carla Triana. Organized by ISU, the street fair will be held from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. on East Union Street in uptown Athens.
“We'll have a variety of student performances and two bands performing which will create a lively and fun atmosphere for people of all ages. On top of the live performances, there will be interactive activities and cultural food items,” Triana said.
The bands performing at this year’s event will be The Larger Sound, an Athens-based group known for its folky-pop-punk tunes, and The Ark Band, a St. Lucian reggae band based in Columbus.
“I encourage everyone to attend the street fair because it embodies what Ohio University and Athens is, an inclusive community that embraces diversity and celebrates all cultural backgrounds in a way that makes everyone feel like they are a part of a global family,” Triana said.
ISU Vice President Ami Scherson, who chaired the International Week Committee this year, said the street fair is an opportunity to enjoy and appreciate the cultural diversity of Athens.
“If the food, music and amazing people aren’t enough reason to come out, this is our 50th anniversary of International Week, so we’d love to see many people there,” Scherson said.
International Week is filled with a wide range of activities including a soccer tournament, the raising of the international flags on the College Green, a tea tasting, musical performances, panel discussions, international food events and much, much more. A full schedule of events can be found at the International Week website.
“My absolute favorite event is the Global Scoop ice cream activity on April 4, but I'm most looking forward to the Speak your Legacy event on April 1,” Triana said. “Four OHIO students will be sharing their legacy while delivering powerful messages. I also think the Gallery Opening: Multicultural Fashion event on April 2 will be really nice. I always enjoy students expressing and showing their culture through photography and attire.”
The International Week Committee worked diligently to plan thought-provoking, engaging and accessible activities for the entire community for the week, Scherson said.
“I would have to say a couple of events I’m excited about are the Speak Your Legacy event on April 1 and the International Acoustic Night on April 5,” Scherson said. All events are open to the public, and most are offered free.
“International Week is important because it celebrates the people and cultures of our community and those who have made Athens their new home,” Scherson said. “This week is a great way to serve our international students by also teaching our domestic students and Athens community members. ISU keeps these ideas in mind when creating events to make sure everyone can enjoy International Week in some capacity. We are super excited to share our hard work!”
The Ohio University Global Arts Festival will also be held during International Week, and the Ninth Annual World Music and Dance Concert will be held on Friday, April 5 beginning at 7:30 p.m. in the Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium. Tickets are required for this event, and more information can be found at the Global Arts Festival website.
For additional information on International Week, call the Office of Global Affairs at 740-593-1840 or visit www.ohio.edu/internationalweek.