Pick up your passport and visit nearly 25 countries in two hours at the International Festival Friday, April 25 from 5 to 7 p.m. in Old Chapel.
Students will teach about world cultures through sampling of traditional food, dance performances and demonstrations of art, music and pictures.
International Festival’s organizing team includes Marie Schubert ‘09, Alexandra Dumitrescu ‘10 and Pavel Trojánek (ND), an exchange student from the Czech Republic.
“I’ve learned a lot through the host-family program and through working with the students on campus,” said Trojánek. “People are diverse: I’ve found Americans to be a lot different than the image that the media shows around the world.”
Dance performances are scheduled for 5:40 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Presentations include Soran Bushi, Jen traditional dance from Japan; Kata, Japanese martial arts; a Mexican tango; Nigerian bellydancing; and Chinese singing. The German Club will present one show from “Kabarett.”
Informational tables will represent the following countries: Argentina, Bolivia, Botswana & Zimbabwe, Brazil, Chile, China, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Ghana, Guyana, India, Japan, Mexico, Peru, Poland, Russia, Senegal, Spain, Sri Lanka, Ukraine and Vietnam.
There will also be a table on the Iraqi Student Project.
Participants visit each table to learn new facts and deepen their knowledge. After experiencing each country’s culture, they’ll take a fun, simple quiz and receive a passport “stamp.”
Bookstore prizes will be awarded at the end of the festival.
“My goal for the festival is to bring together a team of students to work together helping to erase borders and enjoy other cultures in a fun way,” said Trojánek. “The world is a global village and it’s cool to get to know your neighbors!”
International Festival is sponsored by IEG, International Programs, Dean of Students and Dean of Studies Office.