STUDENT 2 (British): Is this the International Student Association?
ASSOCIATION REPRESENTATIVE (British): Why, yes it is.
STUDENT 1 (Australian): Terrific. Um… we aren’t actually international students, but we’re interested in what you have to offer.
STUDENT 2: We’re both majoring in International Relations and want to broaden our horizons culturally.
REPRESENTATIVE: Okay, I’ll be happy to tell you what we do. Our association seeks to promote interaction among students from different cultural backgrounds. You are more than welcome to take part in the association. Of course, our main goal is to help the international student community integrate as easily as possible into the university. A lot of students actually end up considering the association a “home away from home.”
STUDENT 1: I can imagine. So, how can we get involved?
REPRESENTATIVE: Well, there are a few ways. The first is to come to one of our weekly social meetings.
STUDENT 2: All right. When do you hold them?
REPRESENTATIVE: Every Thursday at 6pm, here at the office. The meetings are a way for students to get together and engage in conversations with their peers.
STUDENT 1: What do you go over in the meetings?
REPRESENTATIVE: Every week there is a different topic. The students love having the chance to express their opinions with people from different countries. Oh… I should mention that there is a small dinner before each meeting. Students prepare dishes that highlight their native cuisines.
STUDENT 1: Sounds delicious.
REPRESENTATIVE: It is, and it’s a great way for students to show off their heritage.
STUDENT 2: Definitely.
REPRESENTATIVE: Now, the second way you can participate is by attending the panel discussions we host twice a month. They’re an opportunity for international students to share their unique experiences of life here at the university. A lot of these students really like the panel discussions because they can easily relate to what other students are going through as they adapt to a new environment.
STUDENT 1: They must be very interesting.
REPRESENTATIVE: Yes, they certainly are.
STUDENT 2: I was actually wondering what kind of events you hold. Last week during orientation we saw some kind of dance festival. Students from different countries were teaching other students how to do traditional dances. It looked like fun.
REPRESENTATIVE: Sure. There are plenty of different cultural events that take place throughout the year. It’s a wonderful way for international students to showcase the many aspects of their home countries. Actually, there are two events we are holding this week that I recommend you attend. The first one is our international film festival.
STUDENT 1: Oh. Are the films made by students?
REPRESENTATIVE: No, they aren’t. We organize the film festival in collaboration with student cultural associations who choose movies they feel represent a particular political, historical or artistic aspect of their country. There are all kinds of movies. Dramas, comedies, documentaries…. We’re screening two movies a day, here in the main room of the International Student’s Association office. One at 4pm and then one at 7 p.m. Today the movies are from India and Venezuela.
STUDENT 1: Great. I think I can catch the one at 7pm.
STUDENT 2: So can I.
REPRESENTATIVE: Glad to hear it. The second event we are hosting this week is an international music concert. Students participating in the concert will sing traditional songs and pop songs from their native countries. That is going to be held on Saturday at 7p.m. in the university concert hall. Admission isn’t free, however. It’s £4 for students and £8 for general admission. Please bring your student ID card with if you come.
STUDENT 2: Looking forward to it.
STUDENT 1: Thank you for all your help.