International Events

In addition to organizing the sister-city exchanges, WIFA coordinates a variety of activities to enhance cultural relationships in the Worthington community. Ethnic dinners, lectures and international festival celebrations are just a few of the ways WIFA strives to achieve its goals of fostering intercultural friendships, welcoming international newcomers, and learning and experiencing cultural differences. The City of Worthington and WIFA believe that understanding different cultures and customs is essential for living in the global community of the 21^st century.

Virtual Programs

WIFA has suspended in-person programming until further notice. However, we remain committed to staying connected and providing relevant cultural information and resources during this time of social distancing. Virtual programs and opportunities are continuing to be developed. WIFA also has created this list of resources and international news to keep you informed of international and cultural happenings.

2020-2021 WIFA-SIFA Live!

The Worthington and Sayama International Friendship Associations are coming together virtually to hold joint, live programs featuring cultures and conversation.

March 2021 Student Music Showcase

In March 2021, WIFA and SIFA held a virtual student music showcase, which featured choral and instrumental music, and also reflected on the 10th anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake.

Watch the entire March 2021 program here. (recording begins a few minutes into the introductions)
March 2021 program flyer

December 2020 Holiday Traditions

The first-ever live virtual WIFA-SIFA program featured winter holiday traditions from Sayama and Worthington.

Upcoming 2021 programs

May 12 WIFA Book Discussion Features Japan

The WIFA Book Group plans to meet via Zoom on Wednesday, May 12th at 7pm and the featured country is Japan. The format will be slightly different in that there are more titles to choose from. You may read all, or just one or two. There will be discussion related to Japanese culture and how it is reflected in the different books.

A couple of factors fed into the decision to have a choice of multiple books. Many of the books written by Japanese authors are available in limited quantities from Worthington Libraries so having more titles means more people can reserve copies through the library. Also, the fourth book is not available from the library but it has been reviewed and was selected because of how it leads to more understanding of Japanese culture. It is a simple book and if people are interested, it can be purchased at minimal cost online.