Calling All Cultural Foodies & Fashionistas

Travel the world in one week by attending one or more of seven international themed events during International Week at Texas A&M University. Often referred to as “I-Week,” this annual, week-long, event will be hosted by the Texas A&M International Student Association Feb. 18-22, 2019.

The purpose of I-Week is to spotlight the University’s many cultural organizations and the ethnic diversity present in the Bryan-College Station community. From food and dance, to dress and history, I-Week 2019 is set to be Texas A&M’s biggest cultural celebration of the year.

Fatima Wood, president of ISA, said she is particularly excited to see the turnout for I-Dinner and I-Show.

“I-Dinner provides a wonderful opportunity for the community to try foods from around the world, all while engaging one another in conversations about the international diversity present at Texas A&M,” she said. “Food and cooking are such integral parts of the formation of cultural identities, and eating is something that everyone does, so what better way to bring people together?”

This year’s I-Show will take place on February 21 from 7-9:30 p.m. in the newly renovated Rudder Theatre.

“The ISA team is so excited about having a larger platform to showcase the talent of the university’s international and cultural organizations,” Wood said. “These organization – some new and others well-established – are eager to share their multicultural backgrounds through clothing and performances unique to their nations or ethnic groups. In other words, it’s going to be a really fun night.”

The events scheduled for the week include the following programs, all on the Texas A&M campus:

• I-Exhibit: The kick-off event for I-Week 2019 begins on February 18 from 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. in the MSC 12th Man Hall and Rudder Plaza. Cultural student-led organizations set up at tables to display the rich history and traditions of their countries through pictures and other items representative of their cultures.
• I-Soccer: A soccer (football) tournament where cultural teams compete for a trophy. Teams representing various countries have signed up to compete on February 18, 6-10 p.m. at Penberthy Intramural Fields.
• I-Henna: Students from East Asia, trained in this ancient art, will do a temporary henna tattoo of your choice for a $5-7 donation. The event takes place on February 19, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. in Rudder Plaza
• I-Dinner: Taking place on February 20 from 5:30-7 p.m. in the MSC Courtyard, participants can choose from dozens of food items from international restaurants in the Bryan-College Station community, including foods from China, Mexico, India, Mongolia, and regions such as the Middle East.
• I-Show: Students proudly wear traditional costumes from different cultures and showcase their talent through performances, such as dancing or singing, at this event on February 21 from 7-9:30 p.m. in Rudder Theatre.
• I-History: Learn about history and culture from students of different countries at this student presenter competition on February 22 from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. in Rudder 601.

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 collecting donations for the 12th Can, the Texas A&M student-run food pantry. Donation boxes will be located in the MSC Student Programs Office and in other locations around campus.

Tickets for the I-Dinner can be purchased through the Texas A&M Marketplace. Early bird ticket prices are $7, and will increase to $10 at the door.