Carleton is celebrating International Education Week Nov. 16-20, providing international students with the chance to share their culture with members of the university community. 

Maryam Dabrian grew up in Iran and chose Carleton for its architecture program. ADD SENTENCE RE WHAT EVENT SHE ATENDED. She described the Carleton community as warm and welcoming.

“It’s pretty familiar. It’s like your family. It feels like it’s your university, like you belong to it and it belongs to you,” Dabrian said.

The cultural celebration took place in the Unicentre atrium on Nov. 18. Flags from around the world lined the runway for the fashion show, where traditional styles from various countries were presented. The dance competition featured flamenco and hip-hop solos, as well as two salsa duets and a salsa group. Winners of this competition and the cook-off will be announced at the international open mic event at the end of the week.

According to Christine Peachey, manager of the International Student Services Office (ISSO), the aim of the week is to promote international education, and to prepare people for an increasingly interdependent global world.

She said Carleton tries its best to make international students feel at home.

“Part of this week is to make Carleton more aware of different cultures in our own community.”

Students taking part in the celebration were eager to share their cultural experiences and opinions.

Jessica Vasquez, vice-president (student services) of Carleton University Students’ Association, explained that both of her parents are from El Salvador, and that her culture is important to her because it promotes unity.

“Students are able to interact with other cultures if they weren’t exposed to them where they grew up,” Vasquez said.

Pubudu Herath, who grew up in Sri Lanka, said the week allows the Sri Lankan community at Carleton to “spread the word and show what Sri Lanka can do and is capable of doing.”

This year ISSO built on last year’s events, Peachy said. Favourites such as the fashion show and potluck made appearances again at this year’s cultural celebration, but events such as the cook-off and dance competitions were new additions.

Eighty-five countries worldwide are participating in International Education Week, Peachey said. Other universities across Canada are celebrating as well.