Decorated with streamers and balloons, the Viking Union Multi-Purpose Room was filled with the chatter of students and a variety of international food. Students, faculty and staff came together to share food, games and activities from different cultures at International Cultural Night, hosted by Western’s Language and Cultural Program Friday, Nov. 4. Activities included origami, calligraphy and Arabic writing. Prior to this year, the event was focused on Japan. A few years ago, the Asia University America Program and Intensive English Program collaborated to create an event inclusive to all international students. Laura Carney is a senior AUAP instructor. “The most popular thing at this event is the food,” Carney said. “I’m glad I came early because I tried everything, and it was delicious.” Carney enjoys the event because it is a way to bring people together.
"This is like home to us."
Sophomore Isaiah Valera
“Western is a university that is really trying to internationalize more,” Carney said. “We hold this event hoping students and faculty will come and be able to get a taste of some of the different cultures that are represented here at Western and also to give the IEP and AUAP students a chance to share their culture.” Junior Mai Harada is an IEP student from Japan. At the event she taught participants how to fold origami. “This is easy to make, but it is fun for Korean people [to learn], so I chose this section,” Harada said. The dog is the easier to make, she said.
