Where can you find a free movie, cooking demonstrations, and a visit to another continent without ever leaving the school's campus? Maybe you should try visiting the International House.

From Monday, Aug. 31 until Thursday, Sept. 3, the International House hosted African Week, a celebration of African culture for everyone to indulge in.  Throughout the week, a wide array of activities have taken place from a viewing of the South African movie "TSOTSI", which chronicles a young man who is struggling to survive in his community, to a traditional African cooking demonstration where students got to try their hands at creating customary African foods.

I had the pleasure of interviewing the Treasurer of the African Studies Association, Bisharo Isaak, about the tradition of African Week, and its influence on the University of Tennessee:

How did the tradition of African Week begin at UTK?

"For the first African Week, different students came together to showcase that Africa is a diverse continent.  Many had believed that it was only a country at first."

What is the main goal of bringing African Week to UTK?

"The main goal of African Week is to show other students the diversity of Africa." 

The main goal of African Week is to show other students the diversity of Africa. Treasurer of the African Studies Association, Bisharo Isaak

Why do you think having a culture week, such as this one, is important?

"Many people do not know about other cultures and Africa Week gives them the chance to learn about a country other than their own."

Here is a full list of the activities that occurred during African Week:

Monday, Aug. 31, 2009: Film viewing of "TSOTSI."

Tuesday, Sept. 01, 2009:  African cooking demonstration.

Wednesday, Sept. 02, 2009:  Cultural Expressions (music, dancing, and etc.)

Thursday, Sept. 03, 2009:  Global Hour, Africa.

And there you have it.  Centuries worth of culture were fit into just four days.  If you missed out on the festivities, you definitely missed a treat.  Don't worry because the International House hosts a number of cultural attractions throughout the semester and annually.  If you didn't get to experience it this week, there will definitely be more opportunities ahead.

You can visit the International House Web site or call 865-974-4453 for more information on upcoming events.