Travel the Globe

Mott Community College is hosting their annual International Week with special events every day this week, 
March 26-30.  

The kick-off event on Monday morning was titled “Travel the Globe.”

Students from at least a dozen countries lined the hallway with tables displaying photos and information from their respective cultures.  

They shared stories and answered questions about their people and their history. Some of them even offered morsels of their country’s typical foods.

Although I see these students now and then at our English conversation group, this was a special time to be able to focus more on each of them individually and to learn more about their homeland.

  

Rather than simply watching news stories from these countries on the evening news, this was a chance to talk with them in person and see their pictures and hear their own stories. 

Indeed, I shed some tears with the Syrian women as we talked about the destruction of the beautiful historic buildings in Aleppo.

This event was the culmination of class assignments for the students and they did a great job.  







It was cool to see the double-sided aspect of their work. 

On the one hand they had to work hard to put together a presentation in a language not their own involving art, photography, and layout but also to practice their English speaking skills in understanding and answering a wide array of questions.

On the other hand it was an opportunity for them to celebrate their own home culture and to share it with others.

I was impressed with both aspects of their work.  
Good job, students!  
AND great job, Miss Debra!

...

Every day this week holds yet more International events:

Tuesday
Clínica de migrantes” film screening: 11a.m. & 6p.m. in the Regional Technology Center room 1005

This documentary goes beyond the politicized rhetoric to show the faces of real people in the middle of the immigration debate.

Wednesday
 Lecture and discussions with Fulbright Scholar Jianjun Wang: Center for Teaching & Learning 11a.m.

Fulbright Scholar Jianjun Wang’s keynote address in the Trustee Scholar room (located next to the Event Center). The title of the discussion is: “Owen Lattimore's Mongol Journeys and Mongolian Region - US Relations”

“Prince Among Slaves” lecture, film screening, and discussion: Gorman Auditorium (room 1201) 3p.m. 

Thursday
 “China Cultural Fair”: 12– 3p.m. in the MCC Event Center

Travel throughout China and experience the culture and beauty it has to offer without leaving campus! 

Friday
 “Foreign Languages Talent Show”: 6p.m. at the Mott Memorial Building Auditorium room 1130

Over 20 student performances all in various foreign languages. Talents range from singing and dancing to instrumentals and acting.