Purpose
International Coffeehouse provides students with the opportunity to learn about another culture by tasting food and coffee of that country. Student organizations and individual volunteers partner with the International House to share some traditional or popular snacks from their country, region, or culture.
Day and Time
International Coffeehouse takes place on the first Wednesday of the month when classes are in session. It also occurs on the Wednesday of each World Showcase week.
Wednesdays, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM, Mary E. Greer Room in Hodges Library
Costs
All costs are covered by the International House.
Facilities
The I-House kitchen is reserved from 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM on the Tuesday before International Coffeehouse for food and drink preparation; however, host groups may choose to do cooking at other times if the kitchen is available. They may also choose to order a snack or food from an online or local vendor to cut down on preparation time.
Staffing
While host groups contribute to staffing the event, much support comes from I-House student assistants. Multiple student assistants will work from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM helping with preparation, food and drink service, and clean-up. All food and beverages must be ready to serve and transported to the Mary E. Greer Room no later than 12:30 PM.
Student Organizations/Groups Hosting
Student organizations, groups, or departments will sign up to host specific weeks by completing an online form. In the form, groups should identify how many people will be able to help cook and serve on the day of the event. The International House will work with these students to help them decide what food and drinks to prepare and will provide extra staff to help with cooking if needed.
Food
The International Coffeehouse is designed to provide only a small taste of food to attendees. Each group will buy or cook 1-2 items for approximately 150 people. Food should be specific to the host country. Prepackaged foods are encouraged.
Drink
The International House will attempt to obtain coffee and/or tea from the country/region hosting the International Coffeehouse. The drink should be the highlight of the program, more so than the food, and it should be prepared as authentically as possible.
Cultural Component
During International Coffeehouse, hosting organizations are welcome to have a table with information about their organization. The UTK library staff also provide an informative presentation at each week’s event.