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 Slam: Queen 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.