Middlesex University Dubai’s Virtual International Day
- Wednesday, 20 January 2021
Despite the pandemic, Middlesex University Dubai proved its adaptability by moving its annual International Day celebrations online. In December 2020, students were asked to create video campaigns that showcased the culture, traditions, spirit and cuisines of their home country.
“Middlesex University Dubai is a truly global university, with more than 118 nationalities studying with us on campus” said Dr Cedwyn Fernandes, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Director, “Our International Day has always been a way for us to celebrate our diverse student cohort, and to continue to learn from one another. This year we really wanted to keep that momentum going.”
Video campaigns were submitted by students from Madagascar, South Africa, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Kazakhstan and more. The judges, made up of the Student Activities Team and faculty from the University, looked for originality, creativity, clarity and keeping true to the theme of International Day.
On 20 January, the winners were announced during the Virtual International Day celebrations, which featured performances from Middlesex University Dubai’s Music and Dance clubs. The Tourism Club also prepared an exciting quiz on ‘Tourism Around the World’ – encouraging students to test their knowledge on their world trivia.
International Day Winners
First Place
Monique Rajpurohit and Soniya Rajpurohit
Madagascar
“Soniya and I were excited to hear that the International Day was still taking place, despite the current situation. We decided to create this video so that everyone who watches it can discover the true significance and beauty of Madagascar. Thank you to MDX Dubai for giving us this opportunity to showcase our home country.”
Second Place
Sukayna Kazmi
India and Pakistan
“With the ride of COVID-19 and travel plans being cancelled, it’s been difficult being far away from family. Creating this video hit close to home and I was overcome with nostalgia. Thank you to MDX for giving me the chance to dive deep into my roots again and remember not one, but two of my homes. Love provides that it can overcome anything and that even if one’s home is thousands of miles away, ‘as long as there is a connection, it will always feel close.’”
Third Place
Mahima Magesh
India
“I am amazed by the way cultures bring us together and today when I saw the range of different videos, I was honoured to be a part of something like this. Being an international student in the media industry, I felt really close to this project and it gave me a sense of home away from home. Winning third place really motivated me to bring a piece of home, wherever I go.”
Congratulations to our winners and all of the students who took part.
Organised by the Student Activities Team at Middlesex University Dubai, and Ms Lulu Baddar, Senior Lecturer and Campus Programme Coordinator of BSc International Tourism Management, the International Day is a highlight of the university’s social calendar.
Speaking of the event, Selma Cengic, Assistant Manager of the SA Department, said “International Day is a unique event where the University showcases its diversity. Understanding people, getting to know their traditions and cultural backgrounds is crucial to student and community growth.”
Aafreen Farrukh, Student Activities and Marketing Coordinator, agreed: “We’re immensely proud of our diversity and felt that a pandemic should not stop us from celebrating the cultures and traditions of the MDX community.”
You can check out the winning entries and event itself via the link below:
