When Carla Triana first saw the flags in Baker Center and on College Green during International Week as a freshman, Ohio University really felt like a home to her.
“I felt more included and my culture was embraced,” Triana, the president-elect of International Student Union, said. OU’s International Week began Sunday and ends on Sunday, April 16. The week includes more than a dozen events including a talent show, a diversity panel, a dance night and a street fair.
The event is hosted by the International Student Union and sponsored by many other organizations, including the University Program Council, the Campus Involvement Center and the Black Student Cultural Programming Board. This year will be the 48th annual international week.
Triana, a senior studying international business, said ISU is trying to make the experience include someone for everyone to enjoy.
“We’re making it more interactive and trying to get ISU members to be more involved,” Triana said.
One of the main events of the week is the keynote speaker. This year’s speaker is Bilqis Abdul-Qaadir, who will be giving a talk called “Life without Basketball.” She founded Muslim Girls Hoop Too and is a former standout high school and college basketball player who was denied the opportunity to play professionally because of the ban of hijabs by the International Basketball Federation. Her organization provides awareness about problems surrounding female Muslim athletes and tries to prevent what happened to her from happening to others.
“I think her story is fascinating how she didn’t let that certain circumstance put her down,” Triana said. “Instead, she figured out a way to make something out of (it.)”
Hashim Pashtun, the current president of ISU, said he thinks Abdul-Qaadir’s talk will be relatable to women, international students and athletes.
“I think that she will be able to connect well with the students,” Pashtun, a doctoral student studying civil engineering, said.
There are also events such as a diversity abroad panel and an event called “Around the World,” which is where representatives from different countries will teach others about their country and answer any questions people might ask.
“I think that the domestic population tends to not really be involved with the international community,” Triana said. “IWeek is a great opportunity for you to learn and talk with people who are different from you.”
The other main event will be the annual International Street Fair, in which many of the different member organizations of ISU will have tables selling food and putting on activities and performances.
Pashtun encouraged students to take advantage of the events available to them on campus, including International Week because it is an opportunity they will not get after they graduate.
“It’s kind of like if you sign up for a Netflix account but you never watch the shows,” Pashtun said.
The week is full of fun events that are meant to educate all students on campus about the cultures of their peers.
“With everything that’s going on in society right now, I think this is a great way to build the community and bridge differences,” Triana said.
If you go:
What: Flags Kick-off
When: 9 a.m., Monday
Where: College Green
Admission: Free
What: Global Scoop
When: 2 p.m., Monday
Where: Bobcat Student Lounge
Admission: Free
What: Women’s Coffee Hour
When: 4 p.m., Tuesday
Where: Women’s Center
Admission: Free
What: Talent Show
When: 6:30, Tuesday
Where: The Athena Cinema, 20 S Court St.
Admission: Free
What: Vegan Cooking
When: 7 p.m., Tuesday
Where: United Campus Ministry
Admission: Free
What: Flavor of the Week
When: 12 p.m., Wednesday
Where: Bobcat Student Lounge
Admission: Free
What: Keynote Speaker: Bilqis Abdul-Qaadir “Life without Basketball”
When: 7 p.m., Wednesday
Where: Baker Theater
Admission: Free
What: Around the World
When: 2 p.m., Thursday
Where: Walter Rotunda
Admission: Free
What: Holocaust Remembrance
When: 7 p.m., Thursday
Where: Multicultural Center
Admission: Free
What: Diversity Abroad Panel
When: 2 p.m., Friday
Where: Baker 231
Admission: Free
What: International Dance Night
When: 10 p.m., Friday
Where: Casa Nueva, 6 W State St.
Admission: Free
What: International Street Fair
When: 11 a.m., Saturday
Where: Court Street
Admission: Free
What: World Cup Final Stage
When: 11 a.m., Sunday
Where: Walter Fieldhouse
Admission: Free