“One of the goals of the break program is to create a home away from home, and a safe space for students to explore different cultures, highlight their backgrounds and heritage, while building a community on campus where we can all call home,” said Director of International Education Dr. Yun Shi in an interview about the Summer Break Series.
Urbana, Ill. — The Summer Break Series, which takes place every Wednesday until August 9, provides students, many of whom are international, the opportunity to socialize, learn about different cultures, and share about their own heritage.
On Wednesday, June 7, I had the privilege of attending Around the World with Dumplings. Since “dumpling-making is also a traditionally family/community-based event in many cultures” (Dr. Shi), International Education (IE) thought it would be a great way for students to mingle and relax as they made the delicious dumplings together.
At the event, we enjoyed pork buns; Shumai; wantons; pork, turkey, and tofu dumplings; turon, and spring rolls filled with cheese. Everything was incredible, and I really valued the opportunity to learn how to make these international delicacies as the other students at my table and I attempted (and struggled) to perfectly fold tofu dumplings together.
Around the World with Dumplings was inspired by the first IE break program in 2015, Fall Break Cooking with Chefs. Since IE is able to collaborate with more campus units, they are able to expand the variety and frequency of these programs to facilitate health and wellbeing as well as creating a sense of community and belonging.
The Summer Break Series continues every Wednesday 1-4 p.m. through August 9. If you are interested in getting involved with the international community and participating in cultural exchanges, consider joining GLOBE!
IE is in the Asian American Cultural Center and is still open in the summer, so students can stop by during business hours to play games, relax and/or study. They may be offering some fun snacks and drinks, even if no event is going on. This is a space that students can call home.
Mia Hackett is the student intern for Global Communications. She can be reached at mhackett@illinois.edu.
