VIU celebrates International Education Week Nov 14-18

Students, faculty and staff representing dozens of countries around the world will share their native traditions, foods, dress and cultural perspectives with the university and the Nanaimo community during International Education Week Nov. 14 to 18.

“The week’s events include a series of learning opportunities for students and faculty, plenty of entertainment and a colourful multicultural festival that is open to the public,” said Meg Savory, coordinator for VIU’s International Education Week activities.

Mayor John Ruttan and some members of City Council will be on VIU’s Nanaimo campus Nov. 14 to proclaim International Education Week in Nanaimo.

Savory said the purpose of International Education Week is to celebrate international education in all its dimensions, and acknowledge the contributions that international students make to campus life. VIU currently has 1,687 international students on campus representing more than 70 countries.

“The presence of international students can help expand the horizons of every student, faculty and staff member at VIU and members of the wider community,” said Graham Pike, Dean of the Faculty of International Education. “International students enrich us in many ways by sharing their perspectives, cultures, and ideas. We can all learn first hand about their homelands and how their countries are similar to and different from ours.”

International Education Week engages Canadian students as well. International and intercultural knowledge, skills, abilities and attitudes are increasingly important for students to develop in order to live and work in a complex and interdependent world.

VIU offers dozens of international study tours and exchange programs that take Canadian students to the far reaches of the globe.

“Canadian students and faculty who engage in study abroad opportunities such as field schools, internships, and academic exchanges, often report that they find the experiences profoundly moving,” said Audrey Hansen, Manager of Education Abroad.

The public is invited to learn more about international education at VIU by participating in the following events at the Nanaimo campus:


Nov. 14 to 18

VIU’s main cafeteria will serve up international theme lunches every day of the week, celebrating Germany (Monday Nov. 14), Middle East (Tuesday Nov. 15), China (Wednesday Nov 16), India (Thursday Nov 17), Mexico (Friday Nov 18).

Tuesday, Nov. 15


Panel discussion - “My Story – International Students’ Experiences in Nanaimo” - Building 255, Room 170 from 3 to 4:30 pm. Learn about how international students see their stay at VIU and in Nanaimo.

“A Problem Shared Is Half Solved..And Other Lessons Learned In Ghana”, 5 to 8 pm in the Royal Arbutus Room. VIU students will talk about their field school experiences and internships overseas.

Thursday, Nov. 17


Worldbridger film series: “Schooling the World”, 7 pm, Building 356, Room 109. See http:worldbridger.ca for more information.

Friday, Nov. 18


Multicultural festival; noon to 4 pm; Main Cafeteria in Building 300; includes cultural displays, a marimba band, talent show and a fashion show. Everyone welcome.