Multicultural Week celebrates many countries represented by UA students

To cultural diversity that is, during the celebration of Multicultural Week.

The theme, "Expose Yourself to Cultural Diversity," will be carried out in several planned events, including a Study Abroad Fair, Festival of Nations, Music Explosion and foreign films cycle.

"The week is a celebration of the diversity on campus and an invitation for everyone who is part of the University of Arizona community to get involved so we can share our differences with one another," said Andrea Malinowski, international student adviser and program coordinator for the Center for Global Student Programs.

More than 2,100 international students from 120 different countries attend the UA, said David Currey, director of international student programs and services for the Center for Global Student Programs.

"It's an exciting week for international students, and they have a lot to be proud of," Currey said. "This is their opportunity to share that with others."

The foreign films, featuring movies from Cuba, Russia, France and Italy, will be shown in Gallager Theatre at 7:30 p.m. today through Saturday.

All other activities will take place on the UA Mall.

A Study Abroad Fair will kick the week off today from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Tomorrow, the Festival of Nations will feature food, music and information from a variety of nations between 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Finally, on Friday, the Minority Action Council will present Music Explosion, a medley of music and culture, at noon.

The week-long fiesta is co-sponsored by the Associated Students, Center for English as a Second Language, Center for Global Student Programs, the Diversity Action Council, Eye on Diversity and the Minority Action Council.

"The fair is for anyone who is interested in having a cross-cultural or international experience to find out what their options are," Malinowski said. "There will be people there who have gone on the programs and have first-hand experiences they want to share."

Malinowski said all of the activities are open to UA students, faculty and staff.

"This is an opportunity for everyone to exhibit who they are and let other people learn about the uniqueness of their culture," Currey said.