AUK 4th Annual International Week

The Office of Student Life at The American University of Kuwait organized its 4th Annual International Week from March 8th through March 11th, 2009. The International Week was a collaborative undertaking which contained numerous and diverse events, such as cultural luncheons and informational booths represented by various countries' embassies. Cultural foods, traditional arts and clothing, and diverse films were components of the week. These events support the mission of the Office of Student Life by celebrating cultural diversity to reflect current issues in the world and by providing more personal development opportunities for students. 

The program was executed in association with the Travel Committee of the Entrepreneurship and Business Club. In addition, other AUK clubs and organizations such as the Student Government Association and B.E.L.L.E. Club had collaborated and assisted the Office of Student Life on the diverse events that the week offered. 

On the first day, Sunday, March 8th, 2009, designated as North and South America Day, US Ambassador to Kuwait Mrs. Deborah K. Jones was the guest of honor to the opening ceremony, and gave her opening remarks at the Global Issues Forum. The event not only involved fruitful discussions presented by the discussion panel, but also sought to highlight an important day - International Women's Day. Representatives from the US Embassy and Amideast Organization participated in the Country Resources Fair, in addition to having information from and about Brazil.

On the second day, Monday March 9th, 2009, which was designated as Europe day, representatives from a variety of European countries' embassies in Kuwait were present on campus. Countries that participated in the Country Resources Fair included France, Germany, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary, and Turkey. Other countries represented by AUK students included Holland and Greece.

On the third day, Tuesday March 10th, 2009, which was designated as Global Village Day, students were encouraged to celebrate and represent their individual cultural diversity. Students represented their culture through works of traditional products, food, music, and art. The Global Village Day activities also included a traditional dress competition. Three winners were awarded prizes for best traditional dress and also had prizes for the best cultural diversity table.

On the last day, Wednesday March 11th, which was designated as Asia and Africa day, representatives from a variety of countries' embassies in Kuwait participated in the Country Resources Fair. Countries included India, Iran, Pakistan, Azerbaijan, Australia (IDP), Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Sudan, Tunisia, and the United Arab Emirates. Oman was represented by an AUK student.

During the Country Resources Fair, embassies and representatives from each country had the opportunity to provide information about their country and culture to the diverse body of the AUK Community. The students, faculty, and staff had the opportunity to ask the representatives questions about the country, including its people, history, tourism, and educational opportunities. Representatives also offered informational presentations.

The 4th Annual International Week provided opportunities for students to interact and engage in meaningful experiential learning activities. This allowed them to deepen their understanding and appreciation of cultural differences. The week highlighted the important role these differences play in the human experience. It also cultivated a sense of social responsibility to others, fostered cultural collaboration, and communication, as well as offered civic, personal, and organizational leadership.
 

(Right to left) Mr. Janusz Szwedo the polish ambassador to Kuwait with the Poland embassy team -Student: Mohammad E Al-Shuraij head of the Travel Committee of the Entrepreneurship and Business Club @Auk- Mr. Ayman Shouman Student Engagement Officer & the International Week organizer along with Mr. Damian Medina Director of Student Life
 

The Egyptian booth at the global village day represented by AUK Egyptian students
 

Ms. Deborah Jones, United States Ambassador with Mr. Ayman Shouman Student Engagement Officer & the International Week organizer
 

Dalal Al Sharhan participated in the panel discussion
 

The Discussion Panel
 

A view of the audience
 

(Right to left): Indian School Girls representing the Indian traditional custom at India booth during Asia and Africa day country recourses fair - Mr. Vijay Singh Second Secretary of the Indian Embassy in Kuwait - Mr. Mohammad Ali Kiani Cultural Attache' of the Embassy of The I. R. Iran in Kuwait Ms. Laveena lobo Student Life Coordinator - Mr. Damian Medina Director of Student Life - Dr. Amro Abdul-Aziz El-Baz Cultural Attache' of the Egyptian Embassy in Kuwait