Music… Diplomats… Exotic foods… This week has certainly been an exciting one here at San Francisco State University with its annual International Education Week! An event introduced by the U.S. Department of State and the Department of Education, this year marked SF State’s 14th venture into a week of international awareness.
Here is a sample of the week’s happenings:
Culture Fest:
International and domestic students alike had the opportunity to showcase their many talents. From duets of German songs to Japanese traditional dances, it was a taste of the diversity that we have right here at our university—and we didn’t even have to fly to the other side of the world for it!
A Day in the Life of a Diplomat:
Do you enjoy politics, diplomacy, and international relations? Even if these are not your areas of studies, this was an amazing opportunity to hear from diplomats around the world speak of their experiences.
Lunches, Dinners, and Mixers:
These were perfect opportunities to try new foods, meet new (international) friends, and have fun!
These were just some of the wonderful events taking place on campus this week. If you were intrigued by any of the presentations and want to learn more, SF State has its International Education Exchange Council (IEEC). It is the perfect place to meet students from other countries, learn more about a culture, and have fun!
Here are some of activities and places on campus that will prove useful:
Language Exchange (hosted by IEEC):
This is perfect for anyone wanting to learn a language. International students host weekly meetings where you can practice your language skills with them. You also get exposure to a different culture and make new friends in the process. The IEEC offers language exchange sessions in Spanish, French, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, and even Swedish and Dutch!
Study Abroad:
Learning a language in a foreign country and experiencing its culture first hand is an unbelievable experience. SF State has opportunities for all majors, and they hold weekly informational meetings at the Office of International Studies.
Clubs:
Clubs, such as the Japanese Student Association (JSA), are a great way to get involved and gain a better understanding of another culture, and it is never too late to join one!
Whether you’re staying in San Francisco or are planning on going abroad, gaining a better understanding of the world beyond our campus is invaluable, and we are lucky enough to live in a city where we are surrounded by diversity. Hopefully, International Education Week was an enjoyable experience for you!