The aroma of fine tea leaves, the sights and sounds of rhythmic dancing and cultural enlightenment filled the International Centre last week.

Dozens of events took place across Brock University Nov. 12 to 16 as part of International Education Week, an annual event celebrated in more than 100 countries around the world.

For Marcia Arajuo, a visiting international scholar from the Federal University of Pernambuco, Brazil, the week was an opportunity to showcase her research and culture, including hosting a Brazilian dance class.

Originally from Recife, Brazil, Arajuo studies in the field of recreation and leisure. Her research, alongside host and Brock Professor Colleen Hood, focuses on the relationship of healing the body and mind through expressive movement.

While she spends much of her time working with community agencies such as Niagara Health and Wellspring Niagara, her dance class was a chance to give back to the Brock community.

Inspired in the popular rhythms of Brazil, such as samba, ciranda and bossa nova, Arajuo’s class had more than a dozen Brock students on their feet.

“It was fun, free and surprisingly easy to learn,” said Danielle Sobers, a third-year Biomedical Science student from Barbados, who participated in the class to learn more about the culture.

The following day, Arajuo was honoured alongside more than 30 of her peers at the annual Global Scholars Reception in Pond Inlet from 2 to 3:30 p.m. The event officially welcomed and recognized visiting international professors as well as scholars and participants of the University Mentorship program each semester

The excitement of International Education Week ended at the St. Catharines Curling Centre, where 16 Brock students experienced the classic Canadian sport.

For many of the students in attendance, it was their first time on ice.

This included Robin Palfrey, a first-year English Literature student from Guernsey.

“I loved it,” said Palfrey. “It was harder and more physical than I gave it credit for.”

The week also featured internationally-themed trivia, information sessions on international mobility, workshops from Career Services and a Human Library held in the Matheson Learning Commons in the James A. Gibson Library.

More information about upcoming events with Brock International Services can be found on their ExperienceBU website.