Multicultural Buddies Network expands

By Chris Geminiano

Although the semester is coming to a close, the cultural horizons are still expanding at Algonquin's Multicultural Buddy Network.

The program is an initiative of the counselling services and allows participants to meet other students from around the world, learn and share cultures, and practice a second language, said MBN administrator Amelia Zaglul.

Numerous events and activities took place this year, including hikes, pub crawls, overnight trips to Montreal, Niagara Falls, and Toronto, a haiku writing session, and rumba dancing.

Zaglul said that Algonquin employees, alumni, and friends and family of MBN members were also welcomed to most events. Weekly drop-ins were hosted every Wednesday where students from all backgrounds could meet, have snacks and beverages, and discuss upcoming events. International movie nights were also offered in residence every month.

For MBN student assistant Ian Ford, his role at the MBN has been a pleasant surprise.

"The position kind of fell in my lap. I was learning at first that they know more (about Canada) than me," said Ford. "Within five minutes, cultural misconceptions were out the window."

The last event of the year was held on March 27 when participants went down to the National Art Gallery to enjoy some of the best art Canada has to offer. And like previous nights, where different ethnic cuisines were savoured, the food of the night was Mexican.

ESL student Robert Chou came to Ottawa from Taiwan six months ago to learn and practice English with Canadians. He finds the MBN a useful way to network.

"I can make friends with many Canadians, which is my main purpose," he said.

This is the third event Chou has attended and he has enjoyed it so much that he brought along his friend and first-timer, Yakiko Nagatsuka of Japan, a part-time communications student.

"I am also here to improve my English," she said.

The MBN will commence again next fall and as usual, membership is free and is open to anyone looking to broaden their cultural horizons.