The University of Lethbridge celebrated International Education Week with an event on Wednesday, November 16, 2022. (Photo: S.Jones/LNN)

By Sarah Jones

University of Lethbridge celebrates International Education Week

Nov 17, 2022 | 1:32 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The University of Lethbridge (U of L) hosted an event for International Education Week on Wednesday, November 17, 2022.

International Education Week is celebrated every third week in November across the globe. It’s a way to recognize the value of education abroad and honour ethnic and cultural diversity.

The U of L has more than 800 international students on campus, and the institution has hosted a variety of events over the past seven years to feature the week-long celebration.

In collaboration with the University Library and the International Students Service, students and staff created the Living Library as a way to express the diversity of countries and cultures on campus.

Library Operations Specialist, Nanda Stannard explained, “The essence of our Living Library event is, instead of borrowing a book you can talk to a person to learn about different countries and different cultures.”

What's Happening in Lethbridge this weekend: August 30, 2024

Aug 30, 2024

What's Happening in Lethbridge this weekend: August 23, 2024

Aug 23, 2024

What's Happening in Lethbridge this weekend: August 16, 2024

Aug 16, 2024

“When we are exposed to different cultures and languages, our perspective on things broadens and helps us in understanding the world around us,” she added.

Last year the event took place online, but with no restrictions in 2022, students from eight different countries were able to set up booths in front of the University Library.

More than 30 students volunteered to take part in the event, eager to share the culture and traditions from their home countries of Brazil, India, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Nigeria, Ukraine and Vietnam.

Booths included student-made posters, crafts, pictures, traditional clothing, food and an opportunity to connect with individuals with diverse ethnic backgrounds.

Ukrainian booth set up at the International Education Week Living Library 2022 at the University of Lethbridge, November 16, 2022. (Photo: S.Jones/LNN)

Stannard estimates there are approximately 860 international students from more than 70 countries at the U of L campus this year, and those numbers continue to climb.

“Our international enrollment has gone up a bit from last semester, so that’s very exciting for us,” said Stannard.

With the event now in its eighth year, the university promises to continue to promote diversity along with prioritizing increasing international student enrollment.

READ MORE: Lethbridge News Now