For Marcelo Correa, a fourth-year Biotechnology student, being able to cook his favourite dishes from his homeland in Brazil is something that he cherishes.

“The tastes and smells remind me of childhood memories,” said Correa. “It provides great comfort as I study thousands of kilometres away from home. There’s nothing like the comforts of home.”

Correa, who’s also a Brock International student ambassador, will be leading a cooking demonstration on how to make Brazilian cheese bread, also known as Pao de Queijo (a traditional appetizer that can be found at almost every Brazilian gathering), on Tuesday, Feb 4. At the end of the demonstration, attendees will receive recipe cards so they can bring Pao de Queijo to their next gathering to share with family and friends.

For Correa, the cooking demonstration, which people must RSVP to on ExperienceBU, is a form of cultural exchange.

“It’s an opportunity for me to share my culture though a very traditional dish and give back to the Canadian community who so readily welcomed and shared their dishes with me.”

On Wednesday, Feb. 5, the Brock community can learn how to make jollof rice, a dish originating in West Africa during the 14th century in the ancient Wolof or Jolof Empire, and on Friday, Feb. 7, aloo pie, a traditional dish from Trinidad and Tobago that resembles fried dumplings.

The cooking demonstrations are one of several events taking place Monday, Feb. 3 to Friday, Feb 7 for Brock International Week, a bi-annual event held in the fall and winter semesters to showcase the University’s diversity.

Students, staff and faculty can also choose between two restaurants in St. Catharines serving Mexican or Vietnamese food. Each dinner will be hosted by international student ambassadors who are familiar with the cuisine and have chosen restaurants that best reflect their cultures. There is no fee to join a dinner, however, participants are responsible for the cost of their own entrées, which range from $7 to $15.

Faculty and staff are also invited to an info session hosted by Academic Without Borders (AWB) on Thursday, Feb. 6 from 1 to 3 p.m. in Cairns 219. Attendees can expect to learn about volunteer opportunities with Brock institutional partners in the developing world. Faculty and staff must RSVP by Monday, Feb. 3 by email to globalscholars@brocku.ca.

For a full listing of events, including information on how to register, visit brocku.ca/international-week