Global Ambassador Day at Genesee Hill Elementary
On Friday, October 20, 18 University of Washington students from 14 countries took a trip to West Seattle to share their countries and cultures with students at Genesee Hill Elementary. This FIUTS Global Ambassador Day program was a huge success, starting with a delicious banh mi lunch provided by the school, an assembly to welcome us, and an exciting afternoon sharing songs, games, arts and crafts, and other cultural activities with wonderful local kids.
Global Ambassador Day volunteers with Genesee Hill principal Gerrit Kischner (far left)
Thank you to everyone who was a part of this great day! Here are some photos and quotes from the FIUTS students who participated:
"I had never taught a class before so I was slightly nervous. But it was such a great experience! The students had so many creative questions for me and were so curious about my culture and willing to take part in the activities I had organised for them. Global Ambassador Day will be one of the highlights of my time at UW. Thanks FIUTS!"
"It was my first time teaching in an elementary school in the United States and I think that it was a great experience for me. I felt excited and proud teaching the different Ghanaian cultures to the kids. I loved the curiosity of the kids. It was amazing! I encourage other international students to take part and share their cultures."
Learning a Ghanaian dance
Chinese paper cutting activity
"I live in a wonderful country with amazing people & places. My country have every natural beauty, different seasons, mountains, sea, deserts, plan fields, ancient history, mix of old & new traditions, but unfortunately it has bad reputation. It was one of my chances to let US people believe that my country is actually a beautiful country."
"It was amazing!!! The kids were curious to learn as much as possible and that made the entire experience all the better. 10/10 on Yelp."
Learning some words and phrases in Japanese
Dancing to French music
"Sharing my culture whenever I am abroad is something I love doing just like I love hearing about different cultures from my own. I believe that is important to encourage a desire to travel in people, especially young children."
"I had a lot of presentations but this was different. It always gives you pleasure to present your country the way you love. Wonderful opportunity to broadcast your culture, learn US educational system, confidence for future cultural fairs.
Making a lion a head, a symbol of Singapore
Students excited to learn about the geography and culture of Switzerland
"I loved being able to connect with one of the students who had the same culture as me. She shared her name and was teaching the other kids what I was wearing and seemed proud of it!"
Learning greetings in Thai
"Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes" in Korean
Thank you to FIUTS student volunteers Francis Abugbilla, Mohanned Alafifi, Wasif Azim, Sokayo Harima, CJay Hon, Kazunori Kasahara, Snehal Kota, Lena Lee, Sophie Lienhart, Wenting Liu, Yifeng Luo, Akari Minami, Manjot Singh, Caroline Tsakanias, Tangte Veerapala, and Zhijing Ye for the time, energy, creativity and enthusiasm that you dedicated to this event!
Interested in volunteering at a future Global Ambassador Day, or hosting one at your school? Click here for more information.