Participants try their hands at Chinese watercolour painting during last year's International Education Week celebrations. International Education Week returns this week and runs until Friday.

Apka nam kya hai?

Hoe gaat het?

Un poco de café, pro favour.

Est-ce qu’il y a un médecin ici?

If you’ve been wanting to know how to ask what someone’s name is in Urdu, how they’re doing in Dutch, ask for a cup of coffee in Spain or find a doctor in France, the International Students Association can help.

The association and the Student Justice Centre are hosting a language lab on Thursday, part of International Education Week celebrations, with the hope that a hello in Mandarin or invitation to lunch in Spanish will help make the world just a little bit smaller.

“There’s so many times you might hear people speaking in a different language and it may feel intimidating to approach them,” said Celena Glanville, International Students Association vice-president. “This is a way to spark a conversation for people who may experience a language barrier.”

The language lab, which runs from 2 to 3:30 p.m. in the International Centre on Nov. 21, focuses on some of the most commonly spoken languages on the Brock campus. It’s also one of dozens of activities planned to highlight the many ways Brock students, staff and faculty can understand more about cultural perspectives on and off our campus.

In addition to the language lab, which features native speakers teaching common phrases in five languages, International Education Week boasts cooking and culture demos, film screenings, panel discussions on studying abroad, and a photo exhibit among many other globally inspired sessions.

The events are meant to highlight the importance of engaging with the world, said Sheila Young, Brock International director.

“Hopefully, some will come away learning about something new, maybe sparking an interest in getting involved in an exchange or study abroad opportunity, or maybe just have an aha moment listening to an international student speak about their academic and cultural experience studying at Brock or living in Niagara,” Young said.

All events are free. However, donations for Typhoon Haiyan relief in the Philippines will be accepted at sessions throughout the week.

Pre-registration is not required for most International Education Week activities, though those interested in the international language lab can RSVP to cg10zf@brocku.ca.

A schedule of events for International Education Week is also available online.