International Focus Projects
We are working on a number of different projects and ways to connect across cultures in the Triangle and beyond. Please reach out if you would like to be actively involved through our volunteer network and committees or just COME ENJOY!
All event dates will be announced through the International Focus Newsletter and published on our Community Calendar.
Coffee With Emerging Leaders
Monthly Jan-Nov
Coffee with Emerging Leaders is an intimate monthly event for International Focus members to meet and connect with International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) delegates. Visitors will informally introduce themselves, share professional objectives, and speak about their experience in their homeland and the US. Typically, the event draws about ten to fifteen attendees, allowing for direct exchange with diplomatic visiotors.
Come mingle with international visitors, leverage your connections around the world and be an IF Ambassador!
Global Holiday Festival and Market
November 23, 2019 – Moore Square, Ralsigh
The Global Holiday Festival and Market is a day of celebration honoring holidays and traditions from around the world. Join dozens of ethnic communities from across the Triangle for a day of food, shopping, entertainment, and community engagement. Come celebrate the unique diversity of the Raleigh area and enjoy the wintertime festivities!
Global Talk: Diplomacy in the EU in the Age of BREXIT
Dinner, drinks, and diplomacy! Join us for an informative conversation about the European Union and Brexit.
UNC Professor and Senior Research Fellow at the Institute for European Politics, Holger Moroff, will give an overview of the EU, including its inception as a prominent trading block, Member State interactions, issues of sovereignty, and how states leverage collective action. He will examine current and future challenges to the EU, focusing on Brexit, the new leadership in Brussels, and the future of Transatlantic relations. An open Q&A and general conversation will follow the talk.
Guests will enjoy a free drink and appetizers. Dinner and additional beverages can be ordered individually.
International Focus is honored to partner with the UNC Center for European Studies’ EU2U program for this Global Talk!
Date TBA (Early 2020)
34th International Festival of Raleigh
The annual International Festival of Raleigh presents three days of international music, dance, food, games, art, cultural exhibits, kids’ stuff, and shopping. Over 55 Triangle ethnic communities ranging from Afghan to Vietnamese participate to showcase their heritage, share traditions, and to celebrate cross-cultural friendship in the Triangle.
March 6, 7, 8, 2020 – NC State Fairgrounds
Film Festival: Home is Distant Shores
A fictional and documentary series that explores the immigrant and refugee experience in the US, this mini film festival features pieces from a variety of different perspectives and voices. We are glad to be partnering with the US Committee for Immigrants and Refugees – NC Field Office, Verve Films, and the NC Museum of Art on this annual project!
2020 Dates TBA
Citizen of the World Awards 2020
International Focus’ Citizen of the World Award honors individuals who have made a considerable contribution to international relations in the Triangle. The black tie event will showcase the area’s global cuisine and restaurants with each course prepared by a different renowned local ethnic chef.