International Week was a full schedule of events this year, aiming to highlight global cultures on campus and create space for international students to feel represented and connected.
Throughout the week, students picked up “passports” and visited different events to collect stamps for a prize drawing. The challenge included a photobooth hosted by the Graduate School, a trivia-style Jeopardy event by the Office of Student Engagement and much more at various locations around campus.
The week had two days of international sports activities. A performance festival showcasing multicultural art and music was scheduled but had to be canceled due to rain. The week was wrapped up by a serene gala night.
For many student organizations, International Week served as a chance to share culture through food and community. African Student Organization’s (ASO) event coordinator Chibusonma Chijioke said the week highlights the visibility of international students.
“I think that there’s a good representation of African students on campus,” Chijioke said. “I like the fact that we are given the opportunity to showcase our culture, do events and come together with other organizations.”
ASO brought puff-puff, a sweet, deep-fried dough snack, to its table during the cultural showcase. Chijioke said the dish was prepared by ASO’s head event coordinator.
Beyond cultural visibility, she hopes MSU expands its support for African students specifically.
“They could give us more opportunities,” Chijioke said. “More opportunities for scholarships, more opportunities through admissions for more African students to get an opportunity to go to school here.”
The week concluded with an international gala coordinated by MSU’s international retention and recruitment specialist Chapel Deaton. Deaton revived the gala after hearing about its past popularity among students.
“I think they enjoy getting recognized,” Deaton said. “Each group got to make their own food and share with us, those of us who maybe haven’t tried some of that food.”
MSU distributed 125 tickets for the gala, though Deaton said turnout across the week could be stronger. Participation in the passport challenge was lower than anticipated, and she plans to revise the format next year to make it easier for students to complete independently.
Despite cancellations and varying turnout, Deaton said the week reinforced the importance of supporting MSU’s international community.
“Congratulations that you’re here,” she said. “There are probably many back home who can’t do what you’re doing… We’re proud of you, and we’re here to support you as much as we can.”
