Janice Lozano
International students bring a diverse range of backgrounds, talents, and experiences to any campus. Creating events that celebrate and showcase this diversity is a great way to foster cultural exchange, build community, and offer unique experiences. From food fairs and music showcases to study abroad fairs and scavenger hunts, there are numerous ways to engage international students and create memorable events that leave a lasting impact. These events can also help domestic students learn about different cultures, promoting cross-cultural understanding and a more inclusive campus environment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Social events | Baby photo “contest”, trivia discovery contest, meet-and-greet, indoor and outdoor events, community events, student clubs, parties |
| Cultural events | Traditional festivals of the host country, language exchange events, international-themed food day, coffee hour – a “travel chats” event, storytelling night with stories from Study Abroad |
| Academic events | Essay competitions, research projects, reports, brainstorming innovative ideas, student trips |
| Sports events | Yoga, pilates, other creative outdoor events, video game competitions |
| Marketing events | Social media campaigns, posters, infographics, podcasts, alumni Q&A |
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What You'll Learn
International Student Graduation Parties
Venue and Decor
The venue for the graduation party can vary depending on the number of guests and the desired atmosphere. For a more intimate gathering, reserving a private room at a restaurant, especially one with picturesque views, can be a great choice. Alternatively, consider hosting the party in a nearby hotel ballroom, a rooftop bar with city views, or even in a private home or backyard.
When it comes to decorations, here are some ideas to set the festive tone:
- Balloons of various sizes, perhaps in the school colours, to create a perfect backdrop for photos.
- A balloon arch using latex balloons and balloon tape or glue dots.
- A graduation banner where guests can write their well wishes and advice.
- A wall of inspirational and motivational quotes related to student life and success.
- Tassels and garlands made from pom-poms, yarn, or paper, adding a festive touch to walls and banisters.
Food and Entertainment
Food is an essential part of any celebration, and there are several options to consider:
- Gourmet pizza party or a homemade pasta night, perhaps with online cooking classes, to involve guests in the fun.
- International food options, especially if the graduating students are from diverse countries, creating a cultural fusion.
- A sit-down dinner with a themed menu, complete with small tassels as place settings and flower centrepieces.
- A food station with a variety of dishes, including sandwich bites, tortilla chips with dip, and sweet treats like donuts and cake pops.
Entertainment is key to keeping the party lively and engaging. Here are some ideas:
- Baby photo "contest" where students try to guess the identities of their classmates.
- Trivia games or a quiz based on the students' university life, with prizes for the winners.
- A photo station with a beautiful backdrop, allowing guests to capture memorable pictures.
- A wisdom jar where guests can drop in advice and words of encouragement for the graduates to read later.
- Music, either a live band or a DJ, playing a mix of international tunes to cater to the diverse student body.
Gifts and Mementos
Graduation parties are an opportunity to present the graduates with tokens of appreciation and mementos of their time at university:
- A graduation gift, such as a money wreath adorned with well-wishes, is a thoughtful way to mark the occasion.
- A framed photo collage of the graduate's closest friends, capturing their university journey, is a heartfelt keepsake.
- A decorative box, fitting the theme of the party, can be used to collect cards and gifts from guests.
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Student-led film screenings
Planning and Logistics
Firstly, it is essential to secure public screening rights before advertising the event. Copyright infringement can result in hefty fines. The host must purchase these rights, which typically range from \$300 to \$950 per showing, depending on the distributor. The screening must also be part of a systematic course of instruction and not solely for entertainment. It should contribute to the overall course of study, and screenings must take place in classrooms or other places devoted to instruction.
Creating a Unique Experience
To make the event memorable, consider adding extra elements to the screening. For instance, if the film has a well-known soundtrack, you could have a live orchestra or band perform before and after the screening. You can also immerse your audience in the theme of the film. For example, if you're showing Grease, you can decorate the entrance to resemble an American prom, with volunteers dressed in 1950s outfits.
Guest Speakers and Discussions
Inviting guests with links to the film, such as writers, academics, or even the filmmakers themselves, can add a unique perspective to the event. It is beneficial to follow the screening with a talk or a discussion panel. For instance, the Screening Ideas program at the University of Melbourne pairs film screenings with live panel events, lectures, and conversations.
Accessibility
Ensure that your event is accessible to all. Mention any accessibility features in your promotions to attract a diverse audience. The BFI recommends including extra elements to create a buzz and attract local and national press coverage.
Social Media and Promotion
Utilize social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp to promote the event and reach a wider audience. Create a dedicated event page and invite your network to spread the word.
Collaboration and Community
Collaborate with other student groups or departments to co-host the event and attract a diverse range of students, including international scholars. You can also start a film club or community cinema to foster a sense of community and create opportunities for adjoining events.
By following these guidelines and adding your creative touch, you can create an engaging and inclusive film screening event that brings international students together and leaves them with fond memories of their university experience.
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Language exchange events
Language Exchange Cafés
Organize a casual meet-up in a café setting where international students can mingle and interact. This can be a weekly or bi-weekly event where students can drop in, grab a cup of coffee or tea, and chat with peers from different linguistic and cultural backgrounds. To make it more interactive, provide conversation starters or themes for each meet-up, such as "Cultural Holidays Around the World" or "Food and Cuisine in Different Countries."
Language Exchange Dinners
Host cultural dinner events where international students can come together to share a meal and practice their language skills. Encourage students to bring dishes or snacks that represent their country or culture. During the dinner, create a relaxed atmosphere with background music and decorations that celebrate cultural diversity. Facilitate conversations by providing icebreakers or language exchange games, such as vocabulary quizzes or charades.
Language Exchange Movie Nights
Arrange movie nights featuring films or documentaries from different countries. Before the screening, introduce the movie's cultural context and unique linguistic aspects. During the event, provide subtitles in multiple languages to make it inclusive for all attendees. After the movie, facilitate a discussion about the film, encouraging students to share their thoughts and reflections in their target languages.
Language Exchange Book Clubs
Form a book club where international students can explore literature from various countries and cultures. Select books that are either written in different languages or have strong cultural themes. During the book club meetings, create a safe space for students to express their thoughts and ideas, improving their language skills through literary discussions. Encourage students to take turns leading the discussions to practice their conversational skills.
Language Exchange through Cultural Holidays
Celebrate international cultural holidays and festivals together. Organize events around specific holidays, such as Chinese New Year, Diwali, or International Mother Language Day. During these celebrations, incorporate language-learning activities such as teaching basic phrases in different languages, playing multilingual games, or organizing cultural quiz competitions. These events will not only foster language exchange but also deepen the understanding and appreciation of diverse traditions.
By organizing these language exchange events, international students will have numerous opportunities to improve their language skills, broaden their cultural horizons, and form meaningful connections with their peers from around the world.
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Traditional festivals
Carnival Festival:
The Carnival Festival has its roots in Venice, Italy, and has since spread across Europe and the Americas. It is a celebration that ushers out winter and welcomes spring, as well as the Season of Lent. Participants wear traditional Venetian masks, creating a romantic and mysterious atmosphere. Organizing a Carnival-themed event can include mask-making workshops, a Venetian-themed ball, and educational sessions about the history and significance of the Carnival tradition.
Songkran Festival:
The Songkran Festival marks the traditional Thai New Year and is celebrated across Thailand. It involves massive water fights, as the throwing of water symbolizes respect and well-wishing, rinsing away bad luck. A Songkran-themed event can include water-themed activities, such as water balloon fights or a water gun battle, as well as educational components about Thai culture and the significance of the New Year celebrations.
Cultural Exchange Festival:
A cultural exchange festival can be organized to celebrate the diverse cultures represented by the international student body. This can involve highlighting different countries or regions each year, with students sharing their traditions, cuisine, music, and dance. For example, students can prepare and serve traditional dishes, perform cultural dances or plays, and create educational booths about their countries' history and customs.
Springtime Festival:
Celebrating springtime festivals from around the world can be a colorful and joyous event. Students can learn about and participate in various spring traditions, such as creating paper maché flowers for Holland's tulip season, fashioning red and white bracelets for Baba Marta, a Bulgarian spring welcome, or sampling Pongal, a sweet sticky rice dish from Southern India.
These festival events provide opportunities for international students to share their cultural heritage, learn from their peers, and create meaningful connections with their host institution and community.
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International-themed food days
International Food Festival
Host an international food festival on campus, inviting students to showcase their native cuisines. Students can prepare and sell traditional dishes, allowing others to embark on a culinary journey around the world. This event fosters cultural exchange and provides an opportunity for international students to share their heritage and traditions with their peers.
International Potluck Dinner
Organise a potluck dinner where each participant brings a dish representative of their country or cultural background. This can be a more intimate gathering, encouraging students to share stories and experiences related to the food they bring. It's a wonderful way to build community and create a supportive environment for international students to connect with one another.
International Food Day Celebrations
Throughout the year, there are numerous international food days that can be celebrated, such as International Tiramisu Day on March 21st, World Nutella Day, International Sticky Toffee Pudding Day, or even National Pizza Party Day. Mark these days with special events, tastings, or cooking workshops, providing an opportunity for students to learn about and savour specific dishes or ingredients.
Cultural Food Workshops
Collaborate with local restaurants or chefs specialising in international cuisine to host cultural food workshops. These workshops can focus on specific countries or regions, teaching students about the history and preparation techniques of various dishes. It adds an educational element to the culinary experience and helps international students feel more connected to their home countries while abroad.
International Food and Film Night
Combine the love of food and cinema by hosting an international film night with a culinary twist. Choose a movie from a specific country and serve traditional snacks or meals from that culture. For example, screening a Bollywood movie with Indian street food or a classic Italian film with a spread of Italian appetisers. This event blends entertainment and gastronomy, offering a well-rounded cultural experience.
These events create a sense of community and provide a platform for international students to share their culinary heritage with others. They promote cultural exchange, foster new friendships, and create lasting memories centred around the universal language of food.
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Frequently asked questions
There are a variety of events held for international students, including social events, cultural events, and workshops. These events can be held online or in-person and can vary from casual meet-and-greets to celebrations of cultural traditions and festivals.
The events are designed to foster cross-cultural understanding, help students adapt to cultural differences, develop foreign language skills, and prepare for the global job market.
The events are typically open to all international students and scholars, as well as domestic students interested in cultural exchange and learning about other countries.
The frequency of events can vary depending on the institution and the type of event. Some events may be held daily, weekly, monthly, or even just once a year. For example, events at the University of Colorado Denver take place one to two times per month.
Information about events for international students can usually be found on the website of the institution or organization hosting the event. Many universities have an Office of International Affairs or a similar department that organizes and promotes events for international students. Additionally, there may be specific cultural or international student clubs and organizations that host events, so it could be worth reaching out to them directly.
