International Events on Campus
Although study abroad experiences can provide an excellent opportunity in international exposure, there are also many opportunities found on campus at the University of Florida. Since my freshman year, I have engaged with several international-focused events and organizations in order to further develop my global awareness and intercultural appreciation.
01
International Education Week - World Flag Ceremony
International Education Week is a celebration of international learning opportunities, from study abroad programs, to language learning, to cultural exchange events, and more. One of my favorite parts of the week is the world flag ceremony, when UF students from all around the world represent their home country or a country which they share a passion for by walking their flag around the North Reitz Lawn. The ceremony prompts discussion both amongst participants and passerby students about cultural experiences. As shown in the picture, I represented the nation of Portugal during IEW 2024.
02
Museum Nights - Noche de Muse
Museum Nights - Noche de Museo took place at the Harn Museum of Art on the University of Florida campus during National Hispanic Heritage Month. The event included a study of the museum's art collections of Hispanic origin, a demonstration of Afro-Cuban Oricha song and dance, a showing of the Brazilian political drama film "A Bruddah's Mind", and tabling from organizations around the university and community. The picture was taken next to the welcome banner from the Latina Woman's League, one of the primary sponsors for the event
03
UF NaviGators International
UF NaviGators International is a student organization at the University of Florida with the goal of supporting international students with their acclimation to life in the United States and at the university. Serving as a mentor during my freshman year, I was able to work with two international students, sharing about my life as an American and showing them my favorite activities in Gainesville. The exchange also enabled me to learn just as much about their culture and life experience, encouraging me to look at daily tasks through a new lens. The picture shows my freshman roommate, Pasha, and I. Pasha was an exchange student from Russia and one of my mentees in the organization.