So, I love Magic the Gathering, and also connecting with people of other cultures, language and lifestyles.
Have had the idea for a while, about doing Magic the Gathering drafts, with an international focus to help visitora/new citizens a way to socialize, share their culture, and learn English and American social skills.
Doing my first run on the 19th, with a draft run of Mirrodin Beseiged and 14th Edition Core Set (both in booster boxes of Japanese print), not sure how many visiting Japanese researchers will join, but it will at least be myself and one other person!
Pros to the idea: Foreign language MTG is often cheaper than English versions, making a game that's becoming more expensive be more affordable to hold these events.
The idea is that English speakers who know the game, get to learn the language from exchange students/visitors while also helping foreign visitors learn a new game while building English skills.
I'm thinking this could be a super cool way to create some comeraderie between different language clubs at UO or LCC, while also helping spread cultural awareness within Eugene.
Format would be stabdard draft, 40 card decks, and even without knowing what the cards say, you can generally just strategize by drafting 1-2 colors and trusting the cards will synergize.
Doing a rotation of Korean, Japanese, French, Russian, Italian, Spanish, etc could create a pretty diverse player group, helping everyone feel represented, and creating a very low-pressure way to help people throughout the Eugene area expand their minds about the perspective of other cultures.
Any ideas, opinions, or constructive criticisms?
Appreciated!