Photo by: Stephanie Homsy/Clarion

Students traded in their shoes for kimonos this week, as they learned about and participated in an event highlighting Japanese culture at the International House.

International Student and Scholar Services, the International House and Study Abroad are sponsoring a month long series called “Eyes on the World,” a program that spends one week focusing on a different culture around the world.

“The main target audience is American students at DU who want to go abroad, and we want to get people interested in countries that people don’t typically study in,” said graduate student Annique Petit, program coordinator for ISSS.

This series is “using international students as mentors to educate the American students about their cultures because they are the experts,” said International Student Advisor Lisa Bares.

Last night a representative from the Japanese Consulate and a representatives from the Japan-America society and the Colorado International Trade Office to discuss opportunities for Americans to work and study in Japan.

The series began Monday with Japanese calligraphy, chopsticks and kimonos as students received an overview of Japanese culture.

Putting on a kimono is “kind of like clothing origami,” said junior Dacia Dyer, referring to the many folds and tucks that are necessary in the otherwise one-size-fits-all clothing.

Tuesday, international Japanese students presented skits that showed possible culture shocks that Americans would encounter in Japan, such as the differences in physical contact.

Tomorrow is the last day that the series will focus on Japan; traditional food and music will be available at the International House.

Students who have already participated in the month-long cultural workshop have found it to be rewarding.

“I thought it was a good experience to promote interactions between local students and international students,” said graduate student Lucia Ishikawa.

Next week “Eyes on the World” will concentrate on South American culture with events that include a tango presentation followed by tango lessons and a Peruvian cooking lesson.

The series will end the last week in January with focus on East Africa.

Anyone interested in culture or studying abroad is encouraged to attend the meetings from 7-9 p.m. at the International House, 2200 S. Josephine Street. Students can also contact the I-House at 303.871.4912.