Celebrate Diversity!

WorldVIU Days 2023 Full Schedule

WorldVIU Days participants

WorldVIU Days...

Is VIU's annual celebration of cultural diversity on campus. The event series raises awareness and builds appreciation for the cultural diversity on campus, celebrates culture, and recognizes the richness that diverse perspectives bring to our campus and community. Events are student-, faculty-, and staff-led.

This year's theme is Community Through Movement. "Movement" refers to physical movement - how dance, sports, and games can bring us together, and how each culture expresses itself through movement. It also refers to the movement of people around the world, such as immigration and refuge-seeking. Finally, movement refers to social movements, where communities seek justice through community organizing and action.

The Poetree

Outside Upper Cafeteria

Poetry from Around the World on the theme of "Movement"

Poetry is revered in many parts of the world as an essential part of culture. You can contribute! Submit a poem.

A project of Cultural Connections' Peer Helpers.

Diwali Rangoli Display

Building 305 Library Lobby

Rangoli is an ancient Indian art form made from coloured powders and displayed during celebrations and festivals.

WorldVIU Stage Performances 

Building 300 Upper Cafeteria

Join student and community performers that celebrate VIU’s many cultures.

VIU Culinary Arts Offerings

Building 300 Upper Cafeteria

Sample cuisine from around the world, created for WorldVIU Days by VIU Culinary Arts.

Planting the Poetree

10:30am

Outside Upper Cafeteria

Poetry from Around the World on the theme of "Movement".

Poetry is revered in many parts of the world as an essential part of culture. You can contribute! Submit a poem.

A project of Cultural Connections' Peer Helpers.

WorldVIU Days Opening

11:45am - 12pm

Building 300 Upper Cafeteria

Join us for opening words and prayer from a VIU Elder-In-Residence.

WorldVIU Days Performances

12 - 1pm

B300 Upper Cafeteria

Our Story Is One: Art Talk/ Exhibition 

1 – 3pm

Building 310 Malaspina Theatre Lobby

An Art Exhibition honouring women killed in Iran for their belief system. Artist Talk 1 – 1:30pm. Presented by the Malaspina Theatre and Iranian-Canadian Cultural Society.

Around the World with Arts and Humanities

1 - 3pm

Building 310 Malaspina Theatre Lobby

Let your flag fly! All are welcome to drop by Malaspina Theatre (building 310) during the Our Story is One and Breaking Bread events, to colour your own original flag! We'll have pre-cut Maple Leaf shaped flags available, or you can design your own. We'll have lots of colourful markers, paints and crayons so that you can share your flair. And we'll display all the creations on a living tree outside the Theatre building. Come contribute to this living art piece that celebrates our world!

Food from Culinary Arts

Building 300 Upper Cafeteria

Theme: Mexican

Story SlamQueen Elizabeth Scholars 

10:00 - 11:30am

Building 356, Room 336

Theme: Community Through Student Mobility 

Recently returned VIU Queen Elizabeth Scholars share 3-minute stories from their adventures abroad with the audience voting on their favourite.  Hosted by GLST 211

WorldVIU Stage Performances

11:45am - 1pm

Building 300 Upper Cafeteria

Live performances from VIU community!

Exchange Cafe

1 - 2pm

Building 255, Room 205

Theme: Community Through Student Mobility 

Join VIU Exchange Students for coffee and conversation about studying abroad in the Americas, Asia and Australia. Learn about the application process and deadlines, funding opportunities and partner schools abroad.

A delectable assortment of culinary treats will be provided, courtesy of VIU’s internationally trained Baking department. 

VIUpoint – Building Community Through Leisure

1 - 4pm

Building 250, Room 308

How do leisure, movement, and migration lead to community? Join us for short faculty and alumni presentations on the theme. Part of SLM 601: Leisure and Sustainability: Principles and Paradigms.

Culture Couch: Silent Disco Edition 

5 - 6:30pm

Building 255, Room 170

We jump off the couch this week and dance! Join Collective Groove Silent Dance Co. as we roam around VIU campus and dance to international dance music. Come dressed to go outside if it’s not raining. 

Food from Culinary Arts

Building 300 Upper Cafeteria

Theme: Thai/Japanese/Chinese

Global Fashion Show

12:15 - 1:15pm

Building 300 Upper Cafeteria

Students model traditional clothes and contemporary takes on global fashion on the red carpet catwalk. A VIU Tradition!

Exchange Cafe

1 - 2pm

Building 255, Room 205 / Open to all

Theme: Community Through Student Mobility 

Join VIU Exchange Students for coffee and conversation about studying abroad in Europe. Learn about the application process and deadlines, funding opportunities and partner schools abroad.

A delectable assortment of culinary treats will be provided, courtesy of VIU’s internationally trained Baking department.

Breaking Bread Gathering

2:30 - 4:30pm

Building 310 Malaspina Theatre Lobby

Meet your friends to break bread from different regions around the world, and enjoy a performance by  drummer Patrick Aleck. Bread is a staple that joins cultures, a great mid-week study snack.

Around the World with Arts and Humanities

2:30 - 4:30pm

Building 310 Malaspina Theatre Lobby

Let your flag fly! All are welcome to drop by Malaspina Theatre (Building 310) during the Our Story is One and Breaking Bread events, to colour your own original flag! We'll have pre-cut Maple Leaf shaped flags available, or you can design your own. We'll have lots of colourful markers, paints and crayons so that you can share your flair. And we'll display all the creations on a living tree outside the Theatre building. Come contribute to this living art piece that celebrates our world!

Food from Culinary Arts

Building 300 Upper Cafeteria

Theme: Indian

Forced to Flee: Understanding Refugee Experiences

10 - 11:30am 

Building 255, Room 170

Join VIU WUSC (World University Service of Canada) and Global Studies 211 for a simulation that takes participants on a journey through the difficult decisions that refugees encounter in the face of conflict and forced migration.

VOICE (VIU Online International Cultural Exchange)

10:30 - 12pm

Location: Online

Canadians will chat online with international students from many different countries. Ask questions, chat with your fellow global citizens and discover what connects us! 

WorldVIU Stage Performances

11:45am - 1pm

Building 300 Upper Cafeteria

Live performances from VIU community!

VIU Community Skate - $5

1 – 3pm

Meet in Building 255 Lobby; walk to Nanaimo Ice Centre

Come enjoy a favourite Canadian pastime.

Pre-register Tues/Thurs at Building 255 Glass Room

Sustainability, Movement, and Leisure

1 – 4pm

Building 250, Room 308

Flamenco Performance and Demonstration

4 – 5pm

VIUSU Pub / 19+ entry.

Spanish guitar music, singing, and dancing by Alma de España.

WorldVIU Mix Dance Party 

5:30 – 9pm

VIUSU Pub / 19+ entry.

Come dance to the beats of DJs Man-o (Egypt) and VIU staff member Canis Loopus (Canada). Special performance from contemporary/ hip-hop dancers Shine & Jice!

 

Food from Culinary Arts

Building 300 Upper Cafeteria

Theme: Italian/ Spanish/ Portuguese

International Games and Sports 

9am – 12pm

Building 190 Gymnasium 

Come sample popular sports and games from around the world. Hosted by the Kinesiology Department.

Diwali: Festival of Light Celebration

4 - 6pm

Building 300 Upper Cafeteria

Diwali is one of the biggest festivals in India, and takes place November 12  this year. This celebration will introduce you to this beautiful celebration of light, with traditional food, sweets, storytelling, and - of course - dancing!! Hosted by the Faculty of Management.