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

Due to the pandemic, WIFA has suspended in-person programming. However, we remain committed to staying connected and providing relevant cultural information and resources. 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.

Upcoming 2021 programs

October 23 at 8pm - WIFA/SIFA Live!: Garden Tours of Worthington and sister city Sayama, Japan

Take a tour through the beautiful gardens of Worthington and our sister city Sayama, Japan during this live virtual program and discussion bringing citizens of our two cities together via Zoom.

A link will be sent to all registrants prior to the meeting.

November 10 at 7pm - Book Discussion

The Worthington International Friendship Association Book Group plans to meet via Zoom on Wednesday, November 10, 2021 to discuss books featuring Spain and Portugal.

The format will continue to offer more titles to choose from. You may read all, or just one or two. There will be discussion related to the different cultures and how they are reflected in the different books.

Book reservations may be made online by following the links for each title or by calling the Worthington Libraries at 614-807-2626.

1. Iberia: Spanish travels and reflections by James A. Michener

2. The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón

3. The Time In Between by Maria Dueñas

4. Homeland by Fernando Aramburu

5. Night Train to Lisbon by Pascal Mercier

6. Take Six: Six Portuguese Women Writers, translated by Margaret Jull Costa This one is not available from the Worthington Libraries but got great reviews and is a collection of short stories.

The link to the Zoom meeting will be sent to registrants prior to the discussion.

2022 International Celebration Dinner

WIFA hopes to bring our popular International Dinner Celebration back in 2022. Details will be posted here when they are available.

Past Featured Program - 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

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.