The Intercultural and Global Student Engagement office organized an international showcase on Nov.20 featuring countries representing students at North Lake Campus.
This was the first time the event has taken place at North Lake.
The event started with a parade around the North Lake Campus. Students carried flags of to represent their home countries.
The parade ended at the Student Life offices for the event.
“My team organized this event, and our goal is to create a welcoming environment for students,” Sean Guinyard, a coordinator with intercultural and global student engagement said. “I am originally from Texas and I went to the parade with a Texas flag in my hand.”
The showcase represented the culture and food of various countries.
There was a map where students could mark their country of origin and tables with interesting facts about each country based on their continent.
The tables were filled with flags and balloons in the shape of globes. There was a Kahoot quiz for students with fun global facts about different countries.
Indian and Mediterranean food and drinks were served at the event. They ranged from chicken tikka masala and samosas to humus and pita bread with salad.
“With our international showcase, our goal is to showcase different cultures, countries, ethnicities, heritage for students to experience something new, or to feel celebrated if they are a part of whatever country they’re from, whether in the United States or another country outside of the United States,” Mia Jackson, coordinator of intercultural and global student programs said. “We want to ensure that all of our students feel celebrated, affirmed in their identities, and uplifted here on campus”
The event coordinators also gave away flags, pen, stickers and hand fans to the students.
“I just found about it [the event] and I am excited about it,” said Harsana Neupane an international student from Nepal.
“It’s pretty exciting and you can meet people from different places and have free food and stuff,” said Namrata Basnet an international student from Nepal.
The event was lively with more than 100 students participating. The International Club, food pantry and library also participated.