North Central Michigan College (NCMC) will celebrate cultures and perspectives from around the world during International Week, Oct. 26-30. The weeklong celebration features food, film, dance, travel presentations and other activities for students and community members. Proceeds from select events will support NCMC students participating in the May 2027 Mexico Field Studies program.

Events include a travel photography exhibition, Bollywood dance lesson, international trivia competition, food tasting, Japanese-style karaoke and presentations exploring international travel, history and education.

The schedule of events follows.

Monday, Oct. 26

Travel Photography Exhibition — NCMC Library | During library hours

Explore travel photographs submitted by NCMC students, faculty and staff. The exhibition runs throughout International Week, Oct. 26-30, with visitors invited to vote for their favorites on Oct. 29. Participants may submit one photo. Winners will be announced Nov. 2.

Bollywood Beats and Beyond — 6-7 p.m. | NCMC Library

Experience Indian culture through music and dance during a one-hour lesson led by Institutional Research Data Analyst Poorva Kale. No experience necessary.

Tuesday, Oct. 27

Passport Station — 3-4 p.m. and 5-6 p.m. | NCMC Library

Complete a passport application with help from NCMC Staff. Register online to secure your preferred timeslot.  

Tips for the First-Time Traveler — 4-5 p.m. | Borra Learning Center Student Commons

Students and members of NCMC's International Committee will share practical advice for traveling abroad, including tips for planning, preparation and navigating new experiences. The interactive session is designed for first-time and experienced travelers alike. Pizza will be provided.

International Trivia Night — 6-7 p.m. | NCMC Library

Test your knowledge of world cultures, history, food, geography and more during a friendly team competition led by David Rogers, chemistry professor.

Teams of up to four people can compete for cash prizes of $100 for first place, $50 for second place and $25 for third place.

Space is limited; students are encouraged to register in advance.

Wednesday, Oct. 28

International Food Fair — 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. | Library Conf. Rooms 1-2

Sample cuisine from around the world while supporting students participating in the May 2027 Mexico Field Studies program. Admission is $10 for students and $15 for community members. Additional cash donations to support the program will also be accepted at the event.

Lunch Presentation: Bosnia-Herzegovina — Travels in the Land of Blood and Honey — Noon-1 p.m. | Library Conf. Rooms 1-2

History instructor Blake Morley will share stories and perspectives from his travels and work in Bosnia and Herzegovina following the Dayton Peace Accords.

Through personal experiences and historical context, Morley will explore the country's recovery from war in the early 2000s, highlighting its landscapes, communities and the ongoing challenges of peace and reconciliation.

Japanese-Style Karaoke — 5-8 p.m. | NCMC Library

Experience karaoke as it's often enjoyed in Japan — with friends in a private room rather than onstage. Groups can reserve a library room for a 45-minute session beginning at 5, 6 or 7 p.m. Japanese-themed snacks will be available.

Thursday, Oct. 29

International Photo Contest Voting Closes — NCMC Library

Last chance to vote for your favorite photographs in the International Week Travel Photography Exhibition. Winners will be announced Nov. 2.

International Halloween Candy Giveaway — 9 a.m.-5 p.m. | Borra Learning Center Welcome Desk, BLC Offices 128, 130

Sample Halloween treats from different countries during an international candy giveaway.

Friday, Oct. 30

Luncheon Lecture: Let the Children Play — 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. | Library Conf. Rooms 1-2

Early Childhood Education Coordinator Jennifer Wixson will share insights from a recent trip to Sweden and Finland, where approaches to early childhood education emphasize independence, exploration and play.

Through photos and stories from forest schools and neighborhood playgrounds, Wixson will examine how Nordic communities approach childhood and what educators and families can learn from their practices.

A buffet lunch begins at approximately 11:30 a.m., followed by the lecture at noon. Cost is $15 per person and includes lunch. Registration is required.

Halloween Horror Show Movie Night: Suspiria — 6-10 p.m. | Borra Learning Center, Room 122

International Week concludes with a screening of Suspiria (2018), a supernatural horror film directed by Luca Guadagnino and inspired by Dario Argento's 1977 Italian film of the same name.

Starring Dakota Johnson, the film follows an American woman who enrolls at a prestigious dance academy in Berlin that conceals a dark secret.

Popcorn will be provided. Following the screening, Erick Haight, professor of psychology and humanities, will lead a discussion exploring the film's international symbolism.