AUSA and AUTSA brought international week to campus from 1–5 August, with a range of events throughout the week celebrating diversity, culture, and international students. The event aligns with the Government’s plan to allow international students back in through the borders from 11:59PM on 31 July.
Tuesday’s student speaker event called Connect with Us saw four students from AUT and the University of Auckland speak on different perspectives of their heritage and being an international student. First, AUT software engineering and commerce student, Charles, spoke on how technology has helped the growth of international education. Viha, a Medical Sciences student at the University of Auckland, then spoke about being a third-culture kid. She defined being a third-culture kid as someone who is born into a different culture than their parents, and then they combine their birth culture with their familial culture.
Fourth year Global Studies and Commerce student at the University of Auckland, Rachel, then touched on the struggles of adapting to life in Aotearoa and the emotional experiences she went through. Ending the talk was Sara, a Commerce student at AUT and AUTSA’s president, giving a personal anecdote about moving to Aotearoa as a non-English speaker.
The other main events were the Night Market held at AUT’s Hikuwai Plaza on 3 August, which showcased food from a range of different places. 4 August saw Cultural Evening held in the UoA Quad, showcasing dance, musical performances, and student’s craftwork. Rounding off the week the Wear your Flag event took place at Shadows, with students representing their countries with a drink and a dance. University of Auckland student, Lily, who has been attending the events says, “All the events I’ve been to so far have been so fun. Everyone is really welcoming, and it makes me feel proud of my heritage.”