Tea, Snacks Kick Off International Education Week
Noah Tong
Kicking off an exciting week of events, students were treated to fresh snacks and drinks at International High Tea in the Jean Childs Young Intercultural Center on Nov. 12.
The Toyota Round, illuminated brightly provided a homey and relaxing atmosphere, offering a stark contrast to the pitch-black outdoors and night sky. Warm, comforting smells filled the building as students lined up in anticipation of exciting, unusual foods.
An excuse for a weekday excursion, International High Tea allowed students and faculty alike to momentarily escape their hectic schedules to enjoy a taste of culture for free.
Fancy a trip to Japan? Attendees could grab a cup of Matcha Green Tea with a side of Hokkaido-made special milk cookies.
In the mood for a vacation to Chile? Boldo tea was prepared for event participants, although Maghrebi mint tea was also available for those interested in what Moroccan flair could taste like.
Europe on the bucket list? Guests were also free to help themselves to various flavors of the ever-popular scones and empanadas.
The event, hosted by the Study Abroad Office, aimed to promote International Education Week. This is a nationwide, joint initiative led by the U.S Department of State and U.S. Department of Education to encourage intercultural experiences for the betterment of the nation.
Thelma Rohrer, director of Study Abroad and Off-Campus Academic Programs, viewed this event as the perfect way to kickoff Manchester’s interpretation of International Education Week.
“We prepared these foods based off of the requests of student organizers and other students, and what we thought would be tasty,” said Rohrer. “All of these foods represent various cultures around the world.”
“We thought food would be a great way to publicize the other events this week,” Rohrer said. Rohrer then gestured toward the center of the table to point out the remaining five events of the week, including the International Fashion Show and Unveiled: A One Woman Play, both of which counted as VIA credit for students.
International Education Week provides an opportunity to celebrate study abroad opportunities for both American students looking to travel the world, as well as foreign students excited to see what the United States of America has to offer. According to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, this allows America to “maintain its competitive edge, and preserve America’s leadership in the world.”
International High Tea allowed students and faculty the perfect opportunity to strike up conversation about study abroad opportunities at Manchester, all while enjoying foods such as appetizing vegetarian samosas. Throughout the night, many conversations were also had about the delicious meal experiences students often encounter on foreign soil.
The entire event could have proven impossible, if not for the work of Study Abroad Student Assistant Shannon Lee. She helped create the International Education Week flyer, as well as plan for some of the events that ultimately took place.