Around the World in 5 Days
November 18 to November 22, 2024
Step into a week of cultural exploration during KPU’s 15th annual International Focus Week celebration, November 18-22, 2024. Join us for global food, interactive games, and exciting events across KPU's campuses, celebrating cultures from around the globe. See you there!
About the Event
This year, we continue the theme of ‘Around the World in 5 Days’, bringing a journey of world cultures to KPU’s campuses.
A pop-up Global Fair will travel between 3 campuses – Richmond, Civic Plaza, and Surrey Main – with a carnival of interactive games and trivia, tea & snacks from around the world, a gaming station, virtual reality global travel, and more.
Other events:
- To take inspiration to action, there will be a Study Abroad Info Session to conclude the week.
- Sample global cuisine through the Global Gourmet Week at the campus Hungry Minds Café, presented by Dana Hospitality
- Read through cookbooks and recipes from around the world at the Library’s Books Around the World event
- KPU has global mobility opportunities not just for students, but faculty members as well. Join us at the Faculty Global Experience Spotlight - hear from faculty members who incorporated global learning into their teachings – through field school, faculty mobility, collaborative online international learning, and more.
Event Descriptions
Global Fair - Surrey, Richmond, Civic Plaza
Tea, snacks, and video games from around the world. Send love letters abroad & explore our Continent Showcase Exhibition. Join our World Carnival for interactive games, activities, and prizes!
Schedule:
Richmond: Main Atrium- Tuesday, November 19, 2024, from 11:30am to 2:30pm
Civic plaza: 6th Floor Common Area- Wednesday, November 20, 2024, from 11:30am to 2:30pm
Surrey: Spruce Atrium - Thursday, November 21, 2024, from 11:30am to 2:30pm
Snacks Around the World
Embark on a global culinary adventure at our “Snack Around the World” event! Dive into a world of distinctive flavors and discover beloved snacks from various cultures. Experience a delicious adventure with international snacks that unite friends, flavors and cultures. It’s a fun, flavorful experience you won’t want to miss!
World Carnival
Get ready for a world tour of fun at our global-themed event! Participate in interactive games, challenge your knowledge of countries and geography, and collect KPU dollars to win amazing prizes. Join us for an exciting and educational adventure that’s perfect for everyone!
Tea Around the World (Richmond and Surrey Campus only)
Experience a global flavor journey with "Tea Around the World"! Taste a diverse selection of teas and beverages from different cultures, meet fellow students, and enjoy a relaxing, flavorful experience. It’s the perfect chance to explore new tastes and connect with others. Join us for a unique taste adventure and discover something new!
Sending Love Letters Abroad
Experience the charm of handwritten notes at our DIY event! Craft a heartfelt letter and include a personal photo to send to loved ones abroad. All materials are provided—just bring your stories and creativity. Make someone’s day with a unique and personal touch!
Gaming Stations (with ENTA) (Richmond and Surrey Campus only)
Join KPU International and the Entertainment Arts Department for an exciting gaming event on campus! Explore interactive gaming stations, uncover the cultural influences behind your favorite games and connect with fellow gamers and professionals. Don’t miss this chance to enjoy, learn, and possibly uncover your future in game career possibilities. Also available is virtual reality travel – curious? Come and experience it yourself!
Continent Showcase Exhibition
Discover the wonders of the world at our Continent Showcase Exhibition. Explore intriguing facts, lively cultures, and unique traditions from across the globe through student-made posters. Dive into this educational adventure and broaden your horizons with insights into the diverse continents we live in.
Languages Around The World (Richmond Campus Only)
Try out our language smorgasbord and learn to say hello and good bye etc. in different languages, especially the six languages offered by the Language and Cultures Department at KPU. Have fun answering some trivia questions related to world language and culture and win some ethnic treats. Learn locally, and travel globally!
Faculty Global Experience Spotlight
KPU global mobility opportunities are not just available for students but for faculty members too!
Join us over lunch to hear from 3 fellow faculty members on how they took advantage of faculty mobility funds to build field schools, partnerships, and other global engagement opportunities.
Light lunch will be served; seats limited and available only through registration, so RSVP today!
Schedule:
Location: KPU Richmond campus (WSD 4900), Friday, November 22, 2024, from 11:00am to 1:00pm
By RSVP Only: RSVP here
Presenters:
- Cindy Milner, Faculty of Health (Global Health Field School)
- Fabricio Telo, Faculty of Arts (ELAP Faculty Mobility for Partnerships Building Program)
- Sue Fairburn, Wilson School of Design (KPU’s Global UNSDG Fund)
Study Abroad Info Session
Curious about short-term or exchange semesters abroad? Join our Study Abroad & Learn Info Session to explore global learning opportunities, scholarships options to support your journey and get tips from our study abroad coordinator. Find out how to prepare for the upcoming application period, have your questions answered, and hear from a returning study abroad student.
Schedule:
Location: KPU Cedar 3010, Friday, November 22, 2024, from 12:00pm to 1:00pm
Global Gourmet Week
Join us for an exciting food adventure during Global Gourmet Week with Hungry Mind Cafe at KPU (Dana Hospitality)! Each day, enjoy dishes from diverse cuisines, and get a tasty look into global traditions. Savor rich culinary traditions from around the globe here on campus, it’s a great chance to try new flavors and connect with other food lovers. Don’t miss this tasty opportunity to experience international food at KPU!
Schedule:
Surrey Campus at Hungry Mind Cafe. From November 18 to November 22, 2024
Books Around the World
Explore the world of food at the Library during International Focus Week! Discover an exciting collection of books on global cuisines, cooking techniques, and food culture. Bring your friends and learn something delicious together!
Schedule:
Richmond and Surrey Campus at KPU library. From November 18 to November 22, 2024
International Student Stories
Students will share about a memorable dish they have tried, whether homemade or from a different culture. Their stories will be featured on our KPU International Instagram, highlighting the diverse culinary experiences of our student community. This is a great opportunity to celebrate food and culture while connecting with fellow students through shared experiences!
Collaborating Across Borders: A Fun and Informative Dive into COIL For Faculty
Looking to enrich your teaching with a global perspective?
Join us for an interactive session on Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL), led by the Teaching & Learning Commons. Gain practical tips and engage in hands-on activities so you can get a taste of what COIL can be.
This session is ideal for new and current faculty members who are interested in internationalizing their courses through worldwide virtual collaboration. No prior experience needed.
Schedule:
Location: KPU Surrey Arbutus A2410 (2nd Floor of the Library), Monday, November 18, 2024, from 10:00am to 11:30am
By RSVP Only: RSVP Here
Facilitator: Sam Kirk, Teaching and Learning Strategist
Bio
Sam Kirk is a dedicated educator with 25 years of teaching experience. With a diverse academic background in Fine Art, Kinesiology, and Education, Sam brings a unique interdisciplinary approach to his teaching. His passion for assessments and innovative pedagogy has driven him to explore various methods for evaluating student learning in meaningful ways. Having taught abroad, Sam has gained a global perspective that enriches his classroom, fostering creativity and inclusivity. Throughout his career, Sam has been committed to helping students achieve their full potential by blending theory with practical, engaging learning experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is International Focus Week (IFW)?
International Focus Week (IFW) at KPU has been an annual campus celebration since 2011, aligning with the worldwide observance of International Education Week each November. Organized by the Office of Global Engagement in collaboration with campus partners, IFW showcases and celebrates the diversity of cultures, international education, cross-cultural connections, and global experiences.
Throughout the week, students, faculty, and staff are invited to immerse themselves in a variety of events, from fairs, interactive games, and cultural showcases to global food tastings and language exchanges. IFW serves as a platform to deepen cultural understanding, foster cross-cultural connections, and celebrate the richness of global education.
Is IFW free to attend?
Yes, all IFW events are free and open for all KPU students, faculty, and staff to attend.
What countries will be represented for the Global Gourmet Event served?
The Global Gourmet event offers a chance to explore different cuisines each day of the week. Here is the schedule of featured cuisines:
Monday, Nov 18 – Canada
Tuesday, Nov 19 – China
Wednesday, Nov 20 – India
Thursday, Nov 21 – Lebanon
Friday, Nov 22 – Italy
The event runs from 11 am to 4 pm at the Surrey campus cafeteria
