Student organizations such as the Hispanic American Student Community Alliance (HASCA), Education Abroad and La Comunidad de Hispanohablantes put on a game night to offer students an opportunity to learn more about study abroad programs in Spanish-speaking countries.

“The idea behind the game night was to celebrate international education week, so we are here to represent Spanish language and culture,” said Alyssa Taylor, study abroad program ambassador.

Students were welcomed to the cave in the D.P. Culp Student Center from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Nov. 14. The cave was lined with tables set up by student organizations with tri-fold boards full of information about studying abroad. As students learned about programs, they had the opportunity to try candy from the program’s country and even walk away with stickers. For the duration of the event, students could talk to student organizations, play a plethora of board games, meet new people and eat popcorn or pizza.

Photo of candy from Spain, buttons, and stickers at the Noche de Juegos event. (Nikki Chambers/East Tennessean)

“I just wanted to make it a thing where people could drop in and learn information about studying abroad, sit down and play a game if they had time, and enjoy some pizza,” said Taylor.

International Education Week is a week-long celebration highlighting the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide. It is an effort to promote programs that prepare Americans for a global environment and attract future leaders from abroad to study, learn and exchange experiences.

ETSU kicked off the celebration with a student-led talk and a reception that followed. The attendees were able to hear from two international students, originally located in Tanzania, and another student’s experience spending a summer in Tanzania learning Swahili. The remainder of the week, the community has multiple options to get to know what life is like across the world. There will be events such as an international students and scholars’ discussion panel, a Global Year recap and an educational trivia and international cuisine night.

Author