Brazilian dance lessons, a Chinese tea workshop, paper crane-making and curling are among the many internationally-themed events Brock is hosting next week.

The activities are planned for International Education Week, an annual event celebrated in more than 100 countries around the world during the third week of November.

Brock International Services will host events and activities from Monday, Nov. 12 to Friday, Nov. 16 to highlight the role internationalization plays in Canada’s culture, and economic and social well-being. The celebratory week is also an opportunity to showcase Brock’s diverse and globally-minded community with more than 100 countries represented on campus.

The celebration kicks off early with the home opener for the Brock men’s and women’s volleyball teams on Friday, Nov. 9. Featuring a diverse group of student-athletes, the women’s team, including Hannah Davenhill from New Zealand, starts at 6 p.m. followed by the men’s team at 8 p.m., including captain Marcelo Correa and Felipe Costa from Brazil, and Peter Schnabel from Germany. A limited supply of free tickets is available by joining an organized walk to the Bob Davis Gym that departs from the International Centre at 5:30 p.m.

The packed lineup continues Monday, Nov. 12 with a traditional Chinese tea workshop hosted by the Confucius Institute at the International Centre (GLB-207) from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Attendees will learn about and taste various teas that are part of Chinese culture. The workshop is led by Edward Qu, a known Chinese tea sommelier and tea reviewing specialist with 11 years of experience travelling the world.

On Tuesday, Nov. 13, Monica Ceron, a visiting scholar from Mexico working in Brock’s Department of Sociology, will discuss the importance of international experience as a researcher. Ceron has a doctorate in Latin American Studies from the National Autonomous University of Mexico, and more than 10 years of experience as a researcher and consultant in the field of migration, security, gender and public policies.  She will speak at the International Centre (GLB-207) from 5 to 6 p.m.

On Wednesday, Nov. 14, Marcia Arajuo, an art educator from Brazil and visiting professor, will teach Brazilian circular dances in the International Centre Global Commons (GLB-104) from 5 to 7 p.m. The dances are inspired by the popular rhythms of Brazil, such as samba, ciranda and bossa nova. The moves are fun, easy to learn and do not require a high degree of fitness. All are welcome to attend, and encouraged to wear comfortable clothing and shoes to participate.

On Thursday, Nov. 15, the Brock community is invited to learn more about Ecuador from visiting scholar Karla Gavilanez from 1 to 2 p.m. in the International Centre Global Commons (GLB-104). Originally from Riobamba, Ecuador, Gavilanez is a PhD candidate from Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University in China.

Following the information session, Gavilanez will be one of dozens of visiting professors, and scholars honoured at the Global Scholars Reception in Pond Inlet from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Hosted by the Global Scholars Office, a department within Brock International Services, the event officially welcomes and recognizes visiting international professors as well as scholars and participants of the University Mentorship (UM) program each semester.

On Friday, Nov. 16, the entire Brock community is invited to experience a classic Canadian pastime with a curling session at the St. Catharines Curling Club. Starting at 1:30 p.m., the event is free but spaces are limited. To register, email Chris Illich, Brock International Community Engagement Co-ordinator, at cillich@brocku.ca.

Throughout the week, faculty, staff and students will have the opportunity to participate in the 1,000 Paper Crane Project, learning to create the traditional Japanese origami designs. A station will be set up in the Thistle corridor Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday and in South Block on Wednesday. Each day the initiative will run from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The cranes will be installed in the International Centre once completed. The project is said to symbolize good luck, longevity and a wish for community connection and acceptance.

All International Education Week events are free with no registration required, with the exception of curling. For a full list of events and activities, visit Brock International’s ExperienceBU page.