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Cultural events will bring international awareness during Global Focus Week

International students participate in the Parade of Nations during Global Focus Week Spring 2016.From food to the arts, Liberty University students will have an opportunity next week to explore cultures from around the world during Global Focus Week, the university’s biannual conference aimed at raising global awareness.

Events kick off on Monday, Feb. 6, with the Parade of Nations at Convocation in the Vines Center. Many of Liberty’s 900 international students, many in traditional dress, will march together waving the flags of their home countries in front of thousands of their peers. Students will also hear from John Borek, president emeritus of Liberty University, and former Republican National Committee chairman and candidate for Virginia governor Ed Gillespie in Convocation.

Steven Gillum, director of international engagement for LU Serve, the university’s domestic and international engagement office, said the week will focus on global service opportunities that students have shown interest in.

“We believe as the Body of Christ that we are called into missions no matter what field we are in,” he said. “We conducted a survey to learn where students were most interested in getting involved, and we’re providing ways for students to do that and utilize their skills. Through LU Serve, we help connect the dots from the classroom to service areas around the world.

Students will have a chance to chat with more than 120 representatives from 52 global nonprofits and organizations in the Montview Student Union and Jerry Falwell Library throughout the week. Alumni will be sharing their stories as well, talking about their experiences around the globe.

Several of the week’s events will focus on specific areas of the world, including Southeast Asia, the Caribbean islands, and sub-Saharan Africa. The Monday event, “Experience Israel,” will see LU Serve and LU Send  (the university office that handles all student travel) teaming up to bring dancing, food, and a Krav Maga demonstration to campus. Taste of Nations (sponsored by International Student Services) will be held Wednesday in the LaHaye Event Space, where students can try traditional foods prepared by international students.

Dr. Kate Thornton, a leading expert in hunger and sustainability with the Hunger Solutions Institute at Auburn University, will conclude the week as guest speaker at Friday’s Convocation. She will also help host the Hunger Banquet that same night, where each guest draws a number to see if they will eat a three-course meal, rice and beans, or nothing. This unique event provides a practical illustration of how people around the world eat.

For event details, visit the Global Focus Week webpage.

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