'An opportunity to promote the integration between the Dutch and the international community at UT; an effort to make the Dutch students internationally competent', asserts Suzanne van der Kolk at the International Office, explaining the significance of the event which was first organised in the year 2000.
The extravaganza will kick off with a breakfast with the rector of the UT, followed by a symposium in Dutch on 'Water and Development,' which will focus on the causes, concerns and solutions of the growing water crisis worldwide, with a special attention to the developing countries. The day ends with an informative session, in Dutch, on the prospects of studying abroad. This programme exclusively aims at making the Dutch students cognisant of the merits of an exotic experience.
October 3 onwards all programmes will be in English. The day will begin with a lecture series on the influence of different languages in Europe followed by workshops on some of the foreign languages. This eye-opening session will bring forth the lingual diversity in Europe. The highlight of the day will be the honouring of the 1 millionth Erasmus student as a gesture to celebrate the success of the Erasmus programme in Europe. Erasmus students, who may move within 30 participating countries, are proving to be conducive to shaping a common European identity.
Friday, October 4, is a fungames day; this day the sports complex will be housing traditional games and sports from all over the world. One will get a chance to witness some of the bizarre sporting events, absolutely free. The frolicsome day terminates with a gala party at the AEGEE pub Asterion marked by dancing, drinking and partying; all with an international touch.
October 5, the culminating day of the fiesta, will offer an enlightening session on the cultural differences encountered in the rapidly globalising world around us.
'The way to someone's heart is through his stomach,' is a timeless aphorism that can be aptly ascribed to the climactic event, the International Food Festival, to be held in the canteen of the BB-building. All participants will be asked to bring food, music, clothing, decorations and other typical things representing their country. The International Office will prepare and bring typical Dutch clothing, snacks, drinks and sweets. The event will start at 18.00 sharp andlast until 22.00. 'This is a major event, aimed at dissolving the barriers between students from various cultures.' enthuses Suzanne, while mentioning the most interactive and enjoyable event of the International Week. If you want to participate with specialties from your home country submit the application form which can be found at the website of the International Week: http://www.utwente.nl/internationalweek before October 1.
