ECC celebrates International Week with events and activities

Each November, Elgin Community College celebrates International Week to recognize the rich cultures and heritage of its international students.

Currently, ECC has more than 80 international students from more than 35 countries. Activities and events happen from Nov. 13-17, as ECC students, employees, and the community can learn about different cultures and how education varies across the globe. International Week events will be at ECC's Spartan Drive Campus, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. The public is welcome to attend.

International Education Week events include the following:

• Parade of Nations and Opening Ceremony from 10:45 a.m. to noon Monday, Nov. 13, from the International Lounge, Building F, to the Jobe Lounge, Building B. Join the Parade of Nations from the International Lounge to the Jobe Lounge, where ECC President David Sam, Ph.D., JD, LLM, opens the week's events. There will be light refreshments and a musical performance by traditional Korean drummers.

• "It's a Different World! How Access and Practice in Education Differ Across the Globe" from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 14, in Room E125, Seigle Auditorium, Building E. Enjoy refreshments and listen to a panel of ECC's international students share their educational experiences in Mexico, Spain, the Caribbean, and Venezuela. Attendees can also join virtually via Zoom.

• Movie Night from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 14, in Room B180/181, Community/Heritage Rooms, Building B. Join for an international film that examines class inequality and economic injustice in today's society. Refreshments and a discussion will follow the movie.

• Immigrant Women's Roundtable from 10:30 a.m. to noon Wednesday, Nov. 15, in Room B182, Alumni Room, Building B. Enjoy refreshments and hear from immigrant women as they share their stories and experiences of life in the U.S.

• Celebrate Diwali at ECC from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 15, in Jobe Lounge, Building B. Join the inaugural celebration of Diwali, the "Festival of Lights." Enjoy henna and Rangoli art activities, music, and food from the "Touch of Spice" food truck.

• Street Fair from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 16, in Jobe Lounge, Building B. Visit different international countries presented by ECC student clubs and organizations.

International Week is sponsored by the Global/International Studies Taskforce (GIST), Office of Student Life and First-Year Programs, and the Center for Global Engagement.

Visit elgin.edu/internationalweek for more information.