Belly dancers from Byblos Lebanese Restaurant kicked off the International Week celebration Monday. 

Provost-designate Nowell Donovan was also in attendance.

International alumni from all over the world are flying in to attend the events this week, said John Singleton, director of International Student Services.

“This week represents the equivalent of homecoming for (international students),” Singleton said. “It gives them an opportunity to present their cultures and to show off.” 

This is the biggest event of the year for ISA, said Isabel de la Guardia, who is in charge of publicity for International Week.

“We want to show people we’re here,” de la Guardia said, a junior marketing major and ISA member. “We want people to feel the international presence on campus during International Week.” 

Events throughout the week include: A cultural exhibit, a salsa dancing contest, a sampling of international food, a free movie, a chance to learn international games, a poetry night and a banquet.

ISA members consider the banquet to be the week’s biggest event and includes a fashion show and a talent show, as well as international food. 

“I’ll definitely be there,” said Paul Gordon, senior psychology major and member of ISA. 
Singleton said he agrees the banquet is a very big event. 

“The Saturday night banquet is a culmination of everything,” he said. “It’s always a lot of fun.”

All events are free and open to the public, except for the banquet, which is $10 for students and $15 for faculty and staff. Tickets may be purchased from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. everyday this week in the Student Center.

International week schedule

• Salsa Eating and Dancing Contest, 5-7 p.m. today at Blue Mesa Grill and Cafe
• “Taste of the World”: Free International food, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday in the Student Center Lounge.
• Movie: “Bend It Like Beckham,” 7:30 p.m. Wednesday in Sid Richardson Lecture Hall 1.
• International Games: learn games from all over the world, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Thursday in the Student Center Lounge.
• Poetry Night, 5:30-7 p.m. Thursday in the Student Center Lounge.
• Study Abroad Fair, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday in the Student Center Lounge.
• Banquet, Fashion Show and Talent Show, 6-9 p.m. Saturday in the Student Center Ballroom.