‘Many footprints’ on campus for UOW’s International Week

Aug 03, 2006

The University of Wollongong is once again gearing up for a vibrant celebration of colourful culture on campus when the annual International Week (I Week) takes place (Friday 4 -- Saturday 12 August) with the theme ‘One community...many footprints’.

The public is encouraged to join staff and students participating in this week-long festival with a global flavour, consisting of a variety of multicultural events.

UOW has an internationally diverse staff, and many incoming, outgoing and off-shore international students, all working together in a supportive and lively environment, characterised by diversity, cultural sensitivity and growing networks of students across all nations.

International Week is about celebrating this wonderful diversity and highlighting all our international achievements, and identifying ways we can improve even further as an international institution. The 2006 program includes a blend of speakers, cultural installations and exhibitions, entertainment, games, sharing of perspectives, and showcasing of cross cultural interactions.

Highlights include:

Monday: Interface Photographic Exhibition (on display all week), Women of the World lecture, I Week launch including international wine, cheese and coffee expo and cultural performances and exhibitions.

Tuesday: Guest speaker Randa Abdel-Fattah who has authored a book about the life of an Australian-Muslim girl and the cultural ramifications surrounding her decisions to wear a hijab, Indoor Soccer World Cup, ‘The Crescent and the Cross’ where Islam and Christianity will be discussed, International Films.

Wednesday: Study Abroad and Exchange Fair, Global Marketplace will provide various groups with the opportunity to share their culture, such as Uni Tea for Unity and Indigenous BBQ.

Thursday: All Canada Day, Buddhism presentation, International Food Stall and BBQ, Basti Life – a simulation game on living life in an Indian slum.

Friday: Surf Expo with local surfing identity, Jake Spooner: learn to surf, surf safety and board repair sessions, International FilmsSaturday: ‘Water, Life, Sustainability’ lecture from inspirational Canadian teenager, Ryan Hreljac. Ryan was just six when he started his mission to raise $1 million to help people in Africa access safe drinking water.

Running all week long will be international installations, international cuisine, book displays, the Interface Photographic Exhibition and international beer.

For further information or a full program visit: International Week

For more information, contact:

media@uow.edu.au
University of Wollongong
Ph: (02) 4221 5942; fax (02) 4221 3128