March 29, 2024

International Coffeehouse continues to share different cultures

International House serves desserts and coffee to educate those interested in Russian Culture on Wednesday Nov. 9.

The International Coffeehouse is held every Wednesday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. in Hodges Library. Every week, there is a different country that is highlighted. Students and faculty are welcome to stop by and enjoy food and drinks that are from the specific country.

On Nov. 9, the coffeehouse featured desserts, coffee and hot tea from Russia. Some of the desserts included Ruolet Piroshki (biscotti with poppy seed and raisins), Cherry Piroshki, which was similar to a cherry pie, and marmalade candies. Guests had the choice of coffee or black tea. All of the food and drinks were made by students in the Russian club before and during the event.

Hunter Leef, a UT freshman, was serving the food and interacting with those who came in. He said, “I just started learning Russian so I am volunteering today to help spread the culture that I have grown to love. These desserts are very similar to what you would find if you went to Russia and they’re very good.”

Besides the food and drinks, there were facts spread all around the room about the Russian culture. One of the surprising facts was, “There are over 100 minority languages spoken in Russia today, the more popular of which is Tatar (Tartar), spoken by more than 3% of the country’s population.”

There were many students sitting inside the Mary Greer Room and many going in and out. It was a welcoming atmosphere and most everyone was open to having conversations.

“The International Coffeehouse is a great way for students to come together and learn about countries every Wednesday,” Keely Biladeau, International House employee, said. “We will continue the coffeehouses through next semester! We hope the countries of Turkey and Egypt will be making another appearance as well.”

If you missed the International Coffeehouse this week, Argentina is the country featured for next Wednesday Nov. 16.

International Education Week starts Nov. 14 and goes through Nov. 18. You can find more information about this at http://ihouse.utk.edu.

Featured Image by Jada Blackwell

Edited by Katy Hill

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