Anyone for Scrabble?
“We would like to build bridges within Concordia's broader community.” | Photo: John Bugg (Flickr CC)
Nothing says “home” like a game of Monopoly and a soothing cuppa tea.
That’s the thinking behind afternoon tea and board games at the International Students Office (ISO). Every Wednesday, students are invited to the ISO’s lounge (Room H653-17 in the Henry F. Hall Building) to hang out and enjoy some friendly competition from 2:30 to 4 p.m.
Lucas Mesquita is the ISO’s student engagement and industry outreach coordinator.
“The goal of this initiative is to turn our office into a convivial space where international students can meet on a weekly basis to bond and socialize within our diverse international community,” he says.
“Also, we keep the doors open and encourage local students as well as staff to take part in the events, as we would like to build bridges within Concordia's broader community.”
Each week, the ISO will provide a different kind of tea from around the world — Japan, South America, India and beyond.
Bring on Boggle!
The ISO hosted a pilot event in December to see if the afternoons would fly. Kelly Collins, manager of the ISO and initiator of the idea, put out a call and Concordia staff donated at least 25 games. Think Scrabble, Boggle, Uno and Jenga.
“We had about 20 students and we stayed from 2:30 p.m. until we had to close the office!” Collins says.
“Everyone had a great time, so we decided to make it a regular thing.”
Art fun on Fridays
For anyone who can’t make it for board-game fun on Wednesday afternoons, check out the ISO art workshops on Fridays, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
“Attendees work on individual art projects, using everything from yarn and origami to watercolours,” says Paola Yannine Perez, ISO social events coordinator.
“Previously, we’ve touched on impressionism and cubism in a very accessible way.”
Workshops facilitators — fellow undergraduate students— suggest creative projects and provides supplies. No artistic talent is required.
Both activities are offered at no cost to students.
Find out more about afternoon tea and board games, plus the next art workshop at Concordia’s International Students Office. The ISO events calendar also includes ice-skating, museum trips, movie nights and drumming sessions.
