iWeek

International Week’s opening event, Passport to the World, will feature students wearing traditional clothing from many of the cultures represented at UT Dallas.

International Week, an annual tradition that celebrates the cultural diversity of the University’s 2,000-plus international students, returns to UT Dallas on Monday.

It is the 10th year of the popular series of activities that will include dinners, dance parties and a talent show. Events are sponsored by the International Student Services Office and various other student organizations and campus departments.

The opening iWeek event, Passport to the World, has been a staple on campus for nearly 30 years.  It is slated for 12 to 2 p.m. on Monday, April 4, in the Student Union Galaxy Rooms.  Participants will represent their countries through clothing, cuisine, design and artifacts.  Judges from across campus will select the best food, national dress and overall display.

The International Talent Show is set for Friday, April 8, at 7 p.m. in the Conference Center and will feature songs and dance from around the globe. New this year, the talent show will be judged. While judges deliberate on entries, there will be an international fashion show.  

According to Lisabeth Lassiter, assistant director of International Student Services, iWeek is all about education, celebration and embracing ethnic differences.

“It’s always exciting to showcase world cultures here at UT Dallas, and to have the campus community share in the experience,” Lassiter said. “At the talent show, we’ll get to see cultural dance from India, China, Bangladesh and the Philippines. It will also be fun to sample foods and see traditional attire from other countries. In all, I think it will be a fun-filled and colorful week.” 

Other iWeek activities include:

  • Table Tennis Tournament and Badminton Tournament, April 5, 7 p.m. to midnight, Activity Center main gym.
  • Henna, April 6, 1-3 p.m., Women’s Center, SSB 4.300.
  • International Potluck Dinner, April 7, 5:30-7:30 p.m., SSB 3.107.
  • World Beats Dance Party, April 8, following the International Talent Show, Student Union Galaxy Rooms.

International Week runs through April 8, and all students, faculty and staff are invited to participate.