ECC Celebrates Global Cultures During International Education Week this November

Elgin Community College (ECC) will celebrate International Education Week by highlighting the diverse cultures and heritages our international students bring to the campus through a series of events from November 16-20.

This weeklong celebration will feature live mariachi music, international food, Diwali Festival, trivia, and more.

International Education Week promotes global education and recognizes the contributions and achievements of more than 97 international students representing 34 countries. The Global/International Studies Taskforce, Center for Student Experience and Engagement, and Center for Global Engagement sponsor these events, with support from United Students of All Cultures (USAC). 

“Though Elgin Community College serves our local community first, that community is in fact comprised of people from all different backgrounds around the world,” said Martin Pickens, director of the intensive English program at ECC and International Education Week committee member. “International Education Week brings the global community to our doorstep and invites everyone to celebrate the diversity that empowers even the smallest community in the US. We are proud to host international events across ECC that reflect and honor the many people and cultures who call this community home.”

The following events will take place at ECC’s Spartan Drive campus at 1700 Spartan Drive in Elgin. Learn more and find event details: 

Monday, November 16

International Education Week Opening Ceremony and Welcome Reception 

12:30 to 2 pm | Building B, Jobe Lounge 

ECC President Peggy Heinrich, EdD, will welcome attendees and kick off the week’s festivities. The celebration will feature live mariachi music and a snack passport experience, inviting participants to sample flavors from around the world. 

Tuesday, November 17

Diwali Festival

11 am to 1 pm | Building B, Jobe Lounge

ECC’s Diwali celebration will feature free Indian snacks, henna, traditional outfits and photos, rangoli, traditional games, Bollywood music and dance with an on-site choreographer, and a student performance. The Touch of Spice food truck will also be on-site with Indian food available for purchase.

International Trivia 

3 to 5 pm | Building B, Jobe Lounge

This trivia competition will allow students and the community to test their knowledge of the world. Participants can put together a team of 4, compete for prizes, and enjoy a friendly atmosphere with friends.

Wednesday, November 18

Voices Without Borders

10:30 am to noon | Building B, Room B180/181

Immigrants will share their stories and experiences in the U.S. Light refreshments will be served.

International Lounge

Noon to 3 pm | Building B, Jobe Lounge

The International Lounge will offer the opportunity to play games, sing karaoke, and create global crafts. ECC student-made posters will showcase home countries and cultures, created by student club members, English as a Second Language (ESL) and Intensive English Program students. Information on studying abroad will be available for those interested.

Thursday, November 19

Bill Pelz Global Speaker Series Presents: ‘A World in Discord: An Overview of Today’s Global Conflicts’

2 to 3:30 pm | Virtual via Zoom: elgin-edu.zoom.us/j/98206862571

Guest speaker Joel M. Ostrow, PhD, Professor of Political Science at Benedictine University, will lead a timely discussion of today’s global conflicts, including the war in Ukraine, conflicts in the Middle East, rising international tensions, and challenges to democracy and global security. Participants will gain a broader understanding of the forces shaping our changing world and the connections between conflicts across the globe.

Friday, November 20

Friendsgiving

6 to 8 pm | Building B, Room B180/181

Celebrate Friendsgiving at ECC! Students, alumni, current clubs (including USAC), and ECC faculty and staff are invited to gather, give thanks, and enjoy an evening together.