The International House has begun its culture-filled semester with activities that interest a diverse range of students on the University of Tennessee campus.  The I-House hopes to engage everyone on campus in cultural learning to provide the community with a better understanding of the world around them.  No matter what interests a person may have, the I-House has a program that is both entertaining and enlightening.

Discussions and Literature

The Global Hour is an informal discussion that is open to the entire UT community.  Each week, a topic from current world events is chosen and participants discuss their views on the matter.

"The purpose of the program is to think about current affairs and realize that there are multiple viewpoints on a topic.  Americans often have one viewpoint, and [The Global Hour] opens them up to another viewpoint," Lee Rhea, an Assistant Director for the Center of International Education, said.

The I-House also offers an International Literary Colloquy, which is a supporting program to UT's READY FOR THE WORLD International and Intercultural Awareness Initiative.  Every semester, three books are selected to educate the UT community about a specific culture through different perspectives. 

The fall semester's books will focus on Native American cultures, and the I-House will provide a luncheon and a discussion led by an expert for each text.  At the current time, only a handful of spaces are available to students.  The I-House will offer this program, featuring a different culture, in the spring and invites all UT faculty, staff and students to apply to this program.

Hands-On Cultural Activities

Every semester, the I-House highlights five cultures on Culture Night.  This semester, Indian, Chinese, Latin American, Thai and Russian Culture Nights will be held.  The purpose of Culture Night is to instruct the participants about the traditions and customs of other countries through dance, music, meals and presentations.  Authenticity is the primary focus.

"I really feel it is important that people who know about the culture do the teaching.  I really do not want the American version of the culture," Rhea I really feel it is important that people who know about the culture do the teaching.  I really do not want the American version of the culture. Lee Rhea, Assistant Director for the Center of International Education said.

The International Coffee House provides the community with a "variety hour".  This program is designed for those cultures that are not showcased through Culture Night or did not have the opportunity to display a certain aspect of the culture at the event. 

The International Coffee House has activities ranging from salsa lessons to cooking demonstrations.  It also affords both International and American students the opportunity to get to know each other in a casual setting.

Films

For film connoisseurs, the I-House offers the International Film Series.  Every other Thursday, the I-House shows a film about a specific culture in order to provide a better understanding of the customs and people.  Each film begins with an introduction by a member of that culture to frame the film and eliminate any stereotypes or inaccuracies the film may display.  All films are subtitled in English.

Foreign Languages

For students learning a foreign language this semester, the I-House provides a Language Table every week.  Students participate in conversational practice with a native speaker of a foreign language who has volunteered from the community. 

This provides a great supplement to the foreign language classes offered on campus.  Currently, ten languages are offered.  However, this number may increase to twelve, as the I-House has seen a greater demand for Farsi and Arabic and is searching the community for a volunteer native speaker to lead these tables.

Socializing

If classes are providing unnecessary stress and a short break is on the agenda, the I-House offers special programs that allow both International and American students to participate in an off-campus activity for a small fee.  Activities offered in the past include a trip to Dollywood and Six Flags Over Georgia and a hike through the Smoky Mountains.  On-campus activities at the I-House are also held and feature special lectures or holiday celebrations.

One of the greatest services provided by the I-House is the Friendship Program.  American UT students may apply to be a "friend" to an International student on campus.  Although meeting a stranger from another country might seem intimidating, the I-House matches students based on interests.

"Generally, I have found that if people are matched along interests, the magic will happen on its own," Rhea said.

The purpose of this program is to allow International students to attain a true American experience, while providing the American student an opportunity to learn about a new culture one-on-one with their "friend".

"What most International students are looking for, at the top of their list, is to meet Americans and have access to an American family.  The Friendship Program connects them to someone and allows them to do that," Rhea said.