Culture week

Culture week is a week where we share with the students about other cultures from around the world. Tuesday- Friday it is the foreign faculty's responsibility to transform the campus during the day and then host a "culturally accurate" performance in the evenings.

Tuesday is Asia day!- It was amazing! They did a performance called "Love or Tradition, a struggle through Generations." The storyline was of a prince having a ball where he has to choose his wife based on her dancing for him, rather than because of love. All of the foreign teachers did amazing as they performed dances from a variety of different Asia cultures while the prince watched and was ultimately wooed by one of the servants of the princess from Thailand.

Wednesday was Africa and Latin America day! I am not sure why they put these cultures together, but that has been how it is since the beginning. The campus was decorated with all kinds of African and latin american information and decor, complete with a African tribal hut, and palm trees! The evening performance was divided into 2 sections as well. Africa was a story line about a couple that travels to Africa and the guy decides to propose, but the ring is stolen by a village and to make it up the village throws them an engagement party.
The Latin America performance was a variety show including dancing, singing, and some audience participation. At the last minute the leader of the night performance asked for some help so I helped with the MC's script, the powerpoint and other logistics for the night. Then ran the powerpoint during the performance.

Thursday is European day. The evening performance was hosted by Pippy Longstocking, and a translator. They introduced a variety of well known people from Europe or European history. And then hosted a miniature Olympic games in honor of Greece, the first location of the games. The students were divided into countries and competed in events such as jousting, discus, log throwing, and bull fighting.

Friday is North American Day. The daytime events were complete with double dutch jump roping, miniature golf, and a sandcastle building contest. The evening performance was a Night of American game shows. The foreign teachers did a dance crew battle, North American Idol, fear factor- involving the students, and American Gladiators.

Some how I managed to do more overseeing and spectating than performing. However in the past years, I have enjoyed being a part of various performances. Culture week is a big deal on campus and the foreigners go all out planning, preparing, and practicing for months in advance to pull it off! They did an amazing job, Needless to say many of them were grateful when the week was over!

Here are some pictures from Culture week!

Culture Week 2008