Behind the scenes of organising a university-wide intercultural event
On February 2nd, with the support of the Institute of Education, I co-organised an event on campus which celebrated the variety of cultures represented at the university. The event was open to all staff and students and involved an exhibition showcasing different countries, student presentations on their countries, traditions and lived experiences and food tasting.
The feedback we received after the event confirmed our efforts had paid off: students were waving goodbye to each other with smiles and plates full of jollof rice, patacones, and bread with chimichurri sauce.
I have experience organising cultural events at the universities I attended in Argentina, Australia, and the US, and I am always looking for ways to contribute to the wider academic community. So, when my academic tutor suggested I be on the Student Organising Committee for this event, I was excited to get started!
Whether I was commuting to placement, sharing traditional Argentine sweet treats with friends, or even walking past The Hive, all I could think about was: “How can we make sure every continent is represented?”
With multiple countries close to my heart, I wanted to portray them through a collection of books that reflected the cross-cultural experiences of students at the University.
Conversations with classmates, friends, and family about which books felt relevant to them became as much of a highlight as discussing them with students at the event.
On the day I was focused on ensuring the smooth running of the event, but seeing students sharing their cultures and stories from their home countries left me feeling immensely proud.
I loved seeing how everyone’s individuality was shaped by their unique experiences, both from their cultures and backgrounds, and from being an international student at the University of Worcester. It was clear that despite our differences, ultimately, we all share a sense of pride in who we are, our roots, and being part of the University of Worcester community.
When it was my turn to present, it felt so good to share a piece of my beautiful Argentina! It was so rewarding to see my excitement mirrored in the questions asked by students wanting to know more about my country. I loved having the chance to connect to other students whilst sharing my stories and pride for my home country.
Why you should volunteer
I would encourage anyone reading this to consider taking part next time. No matter which country you call home, every continent can be showcased, and every country is worthy of the spotlight.
It’s a great opportunity to develop your skills in organisation, teamwork, management, and public speaking. All are highly sought after skills by employers.
But most importantly, you’ll have played a part in creating a safe space for students to share their cultural identity and connect with people from all over the globe.