PNW’s international diversity went on display Monday with Global Groove, an annual celebration that starts the university’s International Education Week. The family-friendly event showcases the diverse cultures that call PNW home by bringing together students, teachers, and community members from around the globe.

“Global Groove originated in the spring of 2010 as a large-scale celebration of international student and multicultural student organizations, featuring a buffet of ethnic international foods, cultural booth displays, and interactive dance lessons,” said Brooke Hewson, the assistant director of Student Engagement. “By 2012 [Student Life] moved the event to fall and made it the kick-off … for International Education Week, which is an opportunity to celebrate the benefits of international education and exchange.”

Now in its 13th year, Global Groove reflects the university’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity. The event gives participants a chance to learn about different cultures, share experiences, and create enduring connections.

“The key benefits of Global Groove are twofold,” said Geswin Babu, a graduate student in Computer Science from Kerala, India. “For international students, it offers a sense of belonging and an opportunity to share their heritage with others, helping them feel more integrated into the campus community. For domestic students, it is a chance to expand their horizons, gain exposure to different cultures, and develop a global perspective.”

Attendees can participate in interactive seminars, try their hand at foreign games, and even pick up a few basic phrases in a variety of different languages. The event seeks to appeal to a wide audience while being instructive and entertaining.

“Guests can expect to be greeted by a variety of different cultures through the student booths and cultural displays, a buffet of international foods brought from local ethnic restaurants, music, dance, clothing, and interactive cultural exchange from start to finish,” said Hewson. “We provide guests with blank postcards so that they can visit the different cultural booths and have students sign something in the native language of that booth. It might be the guests’ names or a native greeting. Either way, the guests leave with a customized Global Groove souvenir.”

Babu said it’s a good way to kick off International Education Week. 

 “It is an event that celebrates unity in diversity and adds vibrance to campus life,” he said. “It fosters an environment of inclusivity, promotes cross-cultural friendships, and educates everyone about the richness of our diverse world.”

International Education Week activities include:

• World on Wednesdays, Noon to 1:30 p.m., today at CLO 118: The event aims to promote cultural interaction and relationships with the worldwide community at PNW. International students, those studying abroad, multicultural student organizations, and others interested in engaging in cross-cultural activities are welcome to participate.

• Spanish Learn Night, 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., tomorrow at Gyte 034: The event welcomes everyone to participate in a group language-learning program. It is open to individuals interested in studying Spanish for the first time and those honing their language skills.

• InterVarsity: All Nations, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Friday at Griffin 334: This is an opportunity for international students to engage with one another and discuss issues related to faith and Jesus. People from different cultural origins can come together, share their stories, and gain knowledge about Christian beliefs and values.