In the heart of winter, Ottawans often dream of exotic locations and warmer climates. But for hundreds of U of O international students, however, January is the time to create a little place of home on campus. For the last 20 years, International Week has provided foreign students with a platform to celebrate cultural achievements and diversity through food, music, dance, poetry, etc. It is also an opportunity to exchange views on each others' philosphy and history. This year, over 30 groups will participate in International Week.
All events are open to the public.
Each day of the week will feature displays from different countries. Since 1997, the University of Ottawa has emphasized recruitment of international students. This represents 4 per cent of total undergraduate enrolment and an increase of over 50 per cent over the 1997 numbers. Applications for admission come from 129 countries, including mainland China, South Korea, Pakistan, Taiwan, Lebanon, India, the United States, France, Jordan, de Malaysia, Hong Kong and Ghana. At the graduate level, foreign students represent 16 per cent of the student population, with 341 students registered full-time.