Celebrating a variety of cultures and their connections to the Brandeis community, the Global Bazaar was held on Wednesday, Nov. 12 in honor of International Education Week. Hosted both by the International Students and Scholars Office and the Wien International Scholars, the event featured tables representing various countries and student cultural clubs. International Education Week is sponsored by the United States’ Department of Education and Massachusetts to encourage global awareness and cross-cultural interactions.

Sherman Function Hall was filled with tables representing clubs and academic departments, as well as international food vendors. The Bazaar lasted from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and was packed with students throughout. In addition to food, vendors sold crafts and other items of cultural significance, including handmade jewelry and small sculptures, hats and scarves. The bazaar continued out into the hallway and Upper Sherman rooms, where a raffle for small prizes was held. There was international music playing throughout the event, which culminated in a global fashion show. The music represented many of the different cultures that were seen at the Global Bazaar.

The Global Bazaar offered many opportunities for students to learn about the international community at Brandeis and ways to get involved. Representatives from the Office of Study Abroad hosted a table with information about its programs and ways for Brandeis students to continue their studies in a foreign country. The newly created Student Language Exchange, a club that offers languages not taught at Brandeis, passed out Vietnamese candies and other sweets in promotion of their club.

The event featured tables from language departments and a variety of student-run clubs on campus. A Chinese Program table offered information about educational and cultural opportunities, hosted by students involved in the program. The German Studies Department table gave out free soft pretzels, while the Brandeis Black Student Organization sold soul food. A local Indian market sold Indian dishes and snacks ranging from vegetable puffs to mango lassi and spiced potato chips. The Intercultural Center hosted a table where information about their services and initiatives was available. Other clubs, like the Brandeis Traditional Music Club and the Brandeis African Student Organization held tables with information and food. The Waltham Group and Brandeis Interfaith Chaplaincy both had tables, too.

Brandeis sponsored events all week, like the Language Lunch, hosted by the Division of Humanities and the Foreign Language Oversight Committee, at which students could speak only a foreign language. Throughout the week, a number of guest speakers came to discuss their work, including artist Lara Baladi and journalist Roger Cohen. The Brandeis International Journal sponsored a panel on separatists in Iraq, Nigeria and Ukraine, which featured experts on separatist groups in these countries.

Included in International Education Week is World Kindness Day, an event that celebrates acts of kindness and provides opportunities for students to participate in community service activities.

International Education Week ends Friday, Nov. 14, with an event hosted by the Brandeis Asian American Student Association and the Taiwanese Student Association titled “Food For Thought.”