International parade at UNH to bring awareness across campus about diversity

The International Education Week at the University of New Hampshire is famous for its variety of events held throughout the assigned week, which normally falls in mid-November. Some examples of past year’s events are “Chinese names: how do you pronounce them” and “International Humanitarian Response to the Syrian Refugee Crisis,” the seminar.

This week is devoted to raise awareness among the entire campus about the diversity and amount of different nationalities that the University holds. OISS’ staff agree that this is a week where everybody comes together as one – no matter their differences in beliefs, religion, or political mindset.

The first event of this year’s celebrations was the International Flag Parade, which called many campus residents’ attention. “Our goal this year is to give everybody a flag, any flag, in order to show that diversity we hold here at UNH,” says Academic Transition and Integration Advisor Gillissen ‘Gigi’ Green. (Photo/Chiara Vercellone)

The parade begun at Thompson Hall Lawn, located next to the Office of International Students Services. Other entities from the University took part as well –  such as the music band and other non-international students. The parade ended at the Strafford Room, located in the Memorial Union Building.

At the Strafford Room, students were able to visit many tables that contained typical food and other items from different countries of the world. These countries were marked on a map with stickers from different colors to represent where were students from, where they have been and where they want to go or are going in a future. This idea, the students mentioned, made them appreciate more the international community and the rest of the students on campus.

However, the event didn’t solely aim to bring students together. In the past few weeks, the OISS has collected donations that are now part of a “silent action” that will happen on Friday’s luncheon.Among these items, real antiques can be found – like a Japanese Sake Set, a Jordanian hand-painted plate or a set of traditional Egyptian jewelry. “All profits from the auction will go directly to Puerto Rico’s survivors of the hurricane, in hopes that it will help them recover quicker,” says Immigration and Academic Advisor Sarah Miller.