WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., Nov. 1, 2021 — International Education Month got started today with a colorful craft presentation on the Mexican holiday, Dia de Muertos (Day of the Dead). Professor Felipe Rojas discussed the traditional holiday that commemorates the dearly departed as students painted ceramic skulls with acrylic paint.
“West Liberty University’s Rollie Williams International Center looks forward to the observance of International Education Month every year and we have a full month of activities that highlight different cultures represented here on the Hilltop,” said Ryan Glanville, coordinator of International Programs and Recruiting.
Glanville, along with Director of International Enrollment Services Mia Szabo coordinates the International Program, from recruiting to student life.
Their offices are located in Shotwell Hall, near the center of campus, and include many amenities and services for students while studying and living on campus.
Also taking place today is a demonstration of the game of cricket. This activity takes place in Blatnik Gym and is led by undergraduate student Umesh Napali of Nepal and Associate Professor of Health and Physical Education Kathleen Wack.
“We try to have something for everyone, different presentations both active and social,” said Glanville. A sample of other events include a 2 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 2 African Drum and Dance workshop in the College Union, a 2 p.m., Monday, Nov. 15 panel discussion on Cultural Stereotypes and Nov. 18 programs on learning English. (See calendar for all events planned.)
The tradition of the International Tea Time is back and takes place from 2 – 4 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 10 in the College Union.
New this year is Dueling Dishes, a chef competition modeled after popular cooking shows found online. WLU’s international edition of the cooking competition will be held in the Marketplace dining cafeteria from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 10 and guests will be asked to vote on the best dish.
The month of International Celebration concludes with a commemoration of International Transgender Day on the Quad on Saturday, Nov. 20. (International Month ends early since the following week is Thanksgiving break.)
WLU has 71 international students from 35 countries enrolled this fall. Of these, 56 are degree-seeking students and 15 are exchange international students who spend a semester or two at WLU before returning to their own college campus.
“Our international student enrollment is better than ever and we are pleased to share the many cultures represented here on our campus with everyone. We are looking forward to seeing everyone at our events,” said Szabo, who has led the International Students Office since 2008.
Countries represented this year include: Angola, Armenia, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, D.R. Congo, France, Germany, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Laos, Malawi, Mexico, Mongolia, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Russia, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, Tunisia, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Uzbekistan and Venezuela.
For more information on the Rollie Williams International Center, please call Szabo at 304.336.8270 or Glanville at 304.336.8382.
