The Center for Global Studies helped support FIUTS over the summer as they ran a series of events to connect elementary school children in Seattle with University of Washington students from around the world so that they can learn about new countries, cultures, and peoples.
From April to May, FIUTS ran an afterschool speaker series, entitled “Explore The World.” International students from the University of Washington were invited to present their culture in local elementary school classrooms. Eighteen students between 1st and 5th grade from Beacon Hill International Elementary School and Orca K-8 School participated, along with ten international student presenters. With the support of FIUTS staff, university students prepare a unique, personalized, interactive and educational lesson plan about their home culture.Students from Mexico, China, South Korea, Japan, Chile, and Colombia participated.
FIUTS also hosted a Global Ambassador Day that brought 21 international students into classrooms at TOPS K-8 School for one day. Each classroom hosted a different FIUTS volunteer who gave an interactive presentation about their home country and culture. The Global Ambassador Day reached over 250 local students (grade 1-5) and included speakers from India, Malaysia, Pakistan, China, Vietnam, Bulgaria, Chile, Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, Nigeria, Ecuador, Georgia, and Mexico.