Explore the world in one week by attending one of a dozen cultural events during International Week at Texas A&M University. Known affectionately as I-Week on campus, this is the third decade the International Student Association (ISA) has hosted the weeklong cultural event.
The purpose of I-Week is to highlight the university’s melting pot of cultures through a series of events, each focused on different facets of ethnic identities. From food and dance to henna and history, I-Week 2018 is set to be Texas A&M’s largest cultural celebration of the year.
Danielle Lipsey, president of ISA, believes this year’s I-Week will be one of the biggest and best yet because of the participation and support of so many new and unique cultural groups. Lipsey is a sophomore accounting major from San Antonio.
“Our enthusiastic team has a lot of fresh ideas on how to match the desires and hopes of the community with the capabilities of the organization,” Lipsey said. “With ISA’s recent integration into the Memorial Student Center, the continuing dedication of our leadership team and enthusiastic participation from the international student body at Texas A&M, I have no doubts that this will be the most successful I-Week yet.”
I-Week will include the following programs, all on the Texas A&M campus:
- I-Exhibit: The kick-off event for I-Week 2018 is on Monday, April 2, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the MSC 12th Man Hall and Rudder Plaza. Cultural student-led organizations will display the rich history and traditions of their countries through pictures and other items representative of their cultures.
- I-Dinner: Also taking place on Monday, April 2, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the MSC Courtyard, participants will choose from dozens of food items from international caterers in the Bryan-College Station community, including dishes from China, Mexico, India, Mongolia and the Middle East. Purchase tickets at the MSC Box Office on the first floor of Rudder Tower at Texas A&M University or through the Texas A&M Marketplace.
- I-History: Learn about history and culture from students of different countries at this student presenter competition on Tuesday, April 3, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in MSC 2500.
- I-Soccer: ISA will host a soccer (football) tournament during which cultural teams compete for a trophy. Eight teams representing various countries will compete on Wednesday, April 4, from 6 to 10 p.m. at Penberthy Field.
- I-Henna: Students from East Asia with training in this ancient art will draw a temporary henna tattoo of your choice for a $5 to $7 donation. The event will take place Thursday, April 5, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Rudder Plaza.
- I-Fashion and Talent Show: Students will proudly wear traditional costumes from different cultures and showcase their talent through performances, such as dancing or singing, at this event Thursday, April 5, from 7 to 9 p.m. in Rudder Forum.
- More events: Other organizations, such as MSC OPAS, MSC SCONA and Freshman Leadership International, will sponsor events with cultural and international themes during the week. See the Texas A&M events calendar for more details.
In addition to these events, ISA also sponsors I-Cause, an annual charity campaign that lasts the duration of I-Week. This year, ISA is collaborating with the Puerto Rican Student Association to collect donations for a Puerto Rican School damaged by recent hurricanes that hit Puerto Rico and a family who relocated to the Brazos Valley area following the hurricanes.
International Student Association
The mission of the International Student Association at Texas A&M University is to identify and represent international students’ interests, to promote international students’ participation in the overall policy and decision-making processes of the University, to form a communicative coalition with other organizations, to share the traditions of the international students with the Texas A&M community through cultural awareness programs, and to promote the general welfare of the international student body.
Memorial Student Center
The Memorial Student Center promotes leadership development through campus programs and service opportunities while preparing students to engage in a global society.
Division of Student Affairs
The Division of Student Affairs supports Texas A&M University by providing exceptional services, facilities and programs that promote student success, embody the Aggie spirit, and foster a diverse and inclusive campus community to deepen the understanding and individual application of the Aggie Core Values – excellence, integrity, leadership, loyalty, respect and selfless service.
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Media contact: Sondra White, 979-458-3296, sondra@tamu.edu or Jamie Arrexi, 979-845-8709, jarrexi@msc.tamu.edu.
