Are you tired of the same faces that speak the same language? Are you ready

to experience a different take on life? Consider taking part in Culture

Night at the International House for a learning experience that will last a

lifetime.

Culture Night, a program offered to University of Tennessee students and

the community, will help enhance knowledge of different cultures this

spring and beyond.

A series of events, which begins Jan. 28. at 6 p.m. with Vietnam, will

convene every Wednesday thereafter.

Phuong Nguyen, a graduate assistant, feels this program would be a benefit

to anyone willing to experience a different lifestyle.

“This program will open students’ minds to new cultures and offer a

different prospective of life,” Nguyen said.

Furthermore, Culture Night is a program that includes several different

regions of the world. “Each is a different educational experience that will

enhance a person’s view of how well all can relate to one another more

better,” Nguyen said.

So what are some of the activities available? They include food (for a

nominal fee), music, book readings and social gatherings for each

individual country.

Joseph W. Flory, associate director of the Center for International

Education, considers the program a valuable lesson in the making. “This is

an incredible opportunity for students who may not be able to travel around

the world to learn first-hand from students from these countries,” he

said.

“Students from that country will be present. They will cook authentic foods

and wear traditional clothing.”

“The main purpose for the Culture Night is cultural awareness, which does

include U.S. students. It’s not just for those born outside of the U. S.,”

Nguyen said.

Moreover, Nguyen insists that the diversity of UT will increase

understanding of how students differ, and will help in communicating these

differences among fellow students.

“This place (I-House) is like a library filled with different books, that

tell a different story,” Nguyen said.

Here are the different country’s that will be scheduled for Culture Night.

These include:

Jan. 28 Vietnam

Feb. 4 Gulla

Feb. 11 Greece

Feb. 18 Brazil

Feb. 25 Africa

Mar. 4 Poland

Mar. 11 Pakistan

Mar. 18 France

April 1 India

April 8 Sao Tome and Principe

April 22 Italy

April 29 Israel

These events will take place every Wednesday at 6 p.m. starting this

week.

For further information, contact the International House at 974-4453.