International students celebrated during International Education Week

Troy University’s International Education Week celebrated Troy’s international students and their unique cultures with a series of events from November 17-20.  

International Student Services and the International Student Cultural Organization (ISCO) worked in conjunction with different departments to create events that gave students the chance to learn about each other's cultures.  

“We hope that the activities that we have will build global awareness and appreciation between different cultures,” said Dean of International Student Services Maria Frigge. “We will look to our international students here on campus to help us provide some of their international cultures to present for our students.”  

The week of events kicked off on Sunday with a soccer tournament on the intramural fields, which Frigge said was one of her favorite events.  

Monday included many events, including a discussion of Dr. Chris Shaffer’s book, “Moon Over Sasova,” detailing his experience teaching in post-Soviet Slovakia, and later, a Q&A panel featuring international students from Troy’s partner schools abroad.  

“I think any time you're exposing people to ideas other than their own, I think that's a good thing,” said Dean of Library Services Dr. Chris Shaffer. “I think that once you start having international experiences, you will just look at the world through a different lens, because you develop empathy for other cultures.  

“You understand they're not scary, they're not bad.”  

Noa Firman, a senior law practice major from Meeuwen, Belgium, was one of the students featured on the Q&A panel at the “Destination Desserts” event. Firman said students should participate in International Education Week because it’s a great way to meet new people and to get to know international students better. 

“If it’s a student that wants to go abroad, then I truly recommend it because you can have a connection with someone from a country that you want to go to,” said Firman. “Also, it’s just fun to learn about a new culture.”  

Monday’s events concluded with a Christmas tree lighting on the square, a badminton tournament at the rec center and a ping-pong tournament at the Baptist Campus Ministries. Tuesday featured a passport workshop that walked students step by step through the process of getting a passport and then a bonfire at Camp Butter and Egg.  

Wednesday’s main event was “Taste of the World” on the quad. It featured a global bake-off, a competition and photo display from study-abroad trips, and a study-abroad station where students could plan their next trip.  

Thursday from 12 p.m. - 1 p.m. on the second floor of the dining hall, the K-Edu center will be teaching students how to make spring rolls and kimbap while discussing Korea’s contributions not just to Troy’s cultural landscape but the world. There will then be a “Troy to Career” panel in Hawkins Hall, where international alumni from different fields will share how Troy shaped their career paths and give advice to students transitioning into the global workforce.  

To round off International Education Week, ISCO will hold their annual ISCO Festival in the TC Ballrooms at 5 p.m. The festival will feature an array of international foods and a talent show.  

“It’s always a ton of fun,” said Thomas Baker, a senior history major from Prattville, Alabama, and the president of ISCO. “It’s organized by students and faculty for students and faculty, and for the most part, all of the acts we have are high-quality acts.  

“Plus, outside of sports, it’s one of the largest events held by any organization on campus and would definitely add to one’s experience at Troy.”  

Those interested in attending the ISCO festival can buy a ticket from their table in TC from 10 a.m. -12 p.m. or from Hawkins 007 from 8-12 or 1-5 p.m. Those interested in joining ISCO can contact them on Instagram @isco_troyu.