This upcoming week is International Education Week here at CSU Bakersfield. The week of activities starts on Nov. 16 and goes through Nov. 22. There are various activities and programs planned for the week which students, staff and faculty may partake in.  

  The goal of International Education Week is to inform students of the surrounding communities of the different cultures.  

  Special events coordinator Mike Kwon said, “International Education Week all started back in the fall of 2016 due to a growing interest in sharing information and education in cultures around the world. Each year the department reaches out to the study abroad office, international students and programs departments, and several student organizations to host events.” 

  The first event will be on Saturday, Nov.16 at South High School in Bakersfield. The event is titled “Tamalada,” which is a cultural celebration with tamales, music, information booths, and other fun activities. It is set to start at 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. 

  On Monday, Nov. 18, there will be three programs going on throughout the day, the first being an on-campus food distribution in the Stockdale Court starting at 11 a.m.  

  There will also be an International Club & Resource Fair, which will take place in the Café Quad at 11 a.m. as well. At the resource fair, students and staff are encouraged to come out and learn about international clubs, programs, and resources here on campus.  

  The third activity of the day will be the Study Abroad Game Show which will take place in the Stockdale Room at 12:30 p.m. Participants will be able to showcase their knowledge of the world and compete to win prizes.  

  On Tuesday, Nov. 19, there will be two activities. Hijab Challenge, which will be located on the Red Brick Road from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Participants will be able to pick up a free head scarf, and the purpose is to experience a day in the life of a Muslim woman. After the morning activity, a discussion will follow in the Stockdale Room at 5:30 p.m.  

  There will also be two events taking place on Nov. 20. The first will be during Runner Hour at 11:30 a.m. on the Student Union patio. The second event will be the International Food & Culture Show, which will take place in two separate places, both in the Stockdale Room at 8 p.m. Attendees will enjoy a food tasting of cuisine from all around the world prepared by the international faculty, staff, and students, followed by a culture show with dance, poetry, songs, talent, and fashion.  

  Thursday, Nov. 21, there will be two events, one event and one activity, per day. There will be a Brown Bag Discussion on Student Stories: Living in a Different Country, which will be in the Stockdale Room at 12 p.m., where guests will hear international and domestic students share their experiences about living and studying in a different country while learning about new cultures. 

  Friday, Nov. 22 is Free Friday FIFA, which will take place at Rowdy’s from 3 p.m until 6 p.m. Along with all the activities and events going on, the Runner Café will be offering menu selection with an international theme throughout the week. 

  Kwon also mentioned that if any students are interested in participating next year, they are more than welcome to get in contact for an opportunity to partner up with the organization. 

  Child development major Vanessa Valladolid said, “Of the whole week of events, I look forward to the Tamalada taking place on Saturday because I would like to taste the different ways people make tamales.” 

  All students are encouraged to come out and participate in any of the events being put on by campus programming.