International Week – best yet!
Students join in the Hindu Holi Festival celebrations, part of the University's International Week.
Tue, 17 Mar 2015 12:35:00 GMT
“...a world-class student experience...” – over 3,000 people attended the latest International Week festival
INTERNATIONAL Week at the University of Huddersfield brings students from home and abroad together for a week-long cultural festival. An annual highlight of the students’ event calendar, this festival is now in its third year.
The University has over 3,000 international students from 120 countries. With nearly 60 international student societies taking part in International Week, this much anticipated cultural festival creates a vibrant atmosphere on campus.
World-class student experience
Due to its popularity the festival, originally a one-day event, was extended last year to a week-long series of activities and has continued to flourish. The week includes a wide range of events for students to experience different cultures and make new friends.
The festival is organised by the University’s international student societies and sponsored by the International Office and has become one of the cornerstones of the academic social calendar. “There is always great anticipation and excitement in the run up to and throughout the International Week,” said International Marketing and Events Officer Alan Tobi. “The passion, initiative and effort our students put into the growing list of events highlights the high calibre and commitment of students at the University.”
The University prides itself on providing a world-class student experience and the festival, as well as the events and activities on campus throughout the year reinforce this message.
“It provides a platform for a natural integration of our British and international students to learn from one another and develop friendships,” said Alan Tobi. “International Week provides the perfect blend of sports, food, culture, traditions, film, arts and education and supports the development of our student body. I would like to personally thank all students, staff and participants involved for making the week such a resounding success,” he added.
Festival highlights
Often the most anticipated day of the festival is the mid-week International Food and Culture Festival. On this day, the international student societies prepare traditional food from their countries bringing a taste of the world to the campus. Live music and dancing keep the crowds entertained, with audience participation welcomed. This year saw a diverse range of acts from a Syrian cover of a Pink Floyd classic to a Vietnamese bamboo hat dance and from Iranian heavy metal to bellydancing!
During the week, a different international film was played each evening, featuring films from Japan, South Korea, Ukraine, France and India. The University’s Heritage Quay also invited students to explore the archives to see their textile fabrics of India collection.
As sport often unites people with a common passion, students had the opportunity to take part in a world of sport and international football tournaments, as well as an international Zumba session and Bhangra dancing.
For the first time this year, the festival introduced ‘Ding’ a three minute speed-geeking event which enables students from different countries to meet and talk whilst raising money for the National Autistic Society. Another festival first was an ‘international market’, which offered a range of food and gifts from India, China and Africa.
The ancient Hindu festival, Holi, also known as the festival of colours, brought students from all nations together in a fun water-fight using coloured water-filled balloons and powder.
Even the University’s Campus Kitchen joined in the festivities by serving up an international themed menu with everything from traditional British fayre to a taste of Africa.
The week concluded with a prize-giving with every student who took part being awarded with a certificate as well as special prizes recognising individual contributions.
An amazing opportunity
Students from all over the world took part and some of them shared their comments about the event.
“International week is when campus is at its most colourful,” commented British Politics student and President of the British Cultural Society Lammy Jones. “There was so much going on this year and the societies created some really innovative ways of displaying their cultures. My highlights were the chance to wear the national costume of Vietnam, giving out daffodils on St David’s day and taking part in the international football tournament,” he added. 
Advertising and Marketing Communication student Vivienne Lau from Hong Kong said: “International week was full of fun, entertainment, joy and excitement for students and attendees. For me, it was a great opportunity to talk to people from different backgrounds and cultures.”
“International Week is one of the events that bring students from all over the world closer,” said MSc International Business Management student Eva Šperlíková from the Czech Republic. “It is an amazing opportunity to make new friends who will stay in your contact list for the rest of your life. My 
favourite events during the week are the food and cultural festival and the world of sports.”
Over 3,000 people attended this latest International Week and plans have already started for the next one.
For further information about the University of Huddersfield’s International Week, contact Alan Tobi. More information, including photos from the event can be found on Facebook or at the International Societies website.
