In a week-long celebration of International Education, CAS collaborated with the International Center and the College of Education to host a series of engaging events. CAS ambassadors took the lead in organizing various activities. Monday started with the World Flag Display and International Programs Tables at the Reitz Union Breezeway, where multiple departments and programs showcased student resources. Among the highlights was Tuesday’s movie night led by CAS Ambassadors Williams Gendron and Kelsey Cook. The event featured a screening of the animated film ” AYA OF YOP CITY,” set in 1970s Ivory Coast. This cinematic journey provided attendees with a humorous and heartfelt look into the lives of young adults in the dynamic neighborhood of Yopougon, offering a vivid portrayal of African culture amid societal changes.
The festivities continued with the UF College of Education’s invitation on Wednesday, where the Center participated in an international festival at Norman Hall, offering cultural appetizers and showcasing performances by the Pazeni Choir and other talented student groups. CAS Ambassadors Victoria Simoni Assuncao, Zofa Matondo, and Beata Oseibonsu took the reins on Thursday, organizing the “Taste of the Flavors of African Cooking and Language” workshop. This event was led by Professor Kane Abdoulaye and assisted by Akan instructor Godfred Agypong; attendees not only learned Wolof phrases and vocabulary but also had hands-on experience cooking Senegalese Pastels (Fish pies), accompanied by a tomato sauce infused with the flavors of onions and garlic—a popular street food in Senegal. Wrapping up the week on Creative Friday, CAS ambassadors Zara Haruna, Matthew Dupont, and Michele Hirn led an art and craft session at the Plaza of the Americas, demonstrating how to create African Fairtrade beads using scrap paper. The weeklong celebration fostered cross-cultural understanding through diverse events and strengthened the university’s commitment to cultivating a globally aware community on campus.