The International Club is hosting its annual Cultural Fair in the Grewcock Student Union March 26 from 1 p.m to 3 p.m.
“Cultural Fair is International Club’s annual event that celebrates the countries and cultures represented on campus through an open booth student union fair where students from different countries have posterboard presentations, snacks, and games from their home cultures,” said Charis Linton, president of the International Club.
Anyone is welcome to stop by the fair to learn more about various countries.
“The event is generally a fun way for international students and those who have traveled abroad or have a connection to other countries to share information, their experiences, and sometimes snacks or dishes from the countries they represent with the rest of campus,” said Julia Epstein, marketing manager of the International Club.
Linton said Cultural Fair will be set up similar to the Source for students to visit different booths. Anyone can sign up or dress in cultural clothes to shape the atmosphere, Linton said. Those interested in participating in the Cultural Fair should contact Tulip Bitange.
“Visitors will typically visit the tables, try different snacks, talk to students about their experiences and connections abroad, and ask them questions about the countries,” Epstein said. “There is also a photo area with props for taking pictures with family and friends! Often, students will dress up in traditional clothing as well.”
According to Epstein, Cultural Fair is the most important event the International Club organizes.
“At Hillsdale College, most students aren’t exposed to many other countries or cultures and the things that are going on in these places today,” Epstein said. “The International Club seeks to remedy this, and Cultural Fair is a fun and interactive way for people to learn about other cultures and countries and connect with students from different backgrounds.”
Besides Cultural Fair, the International Club promotes cultures and connects international students with the rest of campus.
“The International Club’s primary mission is to help international students adapt smoothly to life at Hillsdale College and connect with other students,” Epstein said.
International Club hosts smaller events throughout the semester including Parents’ Weekend dinners, professor and student presentations, and has partnered with Bon Appetite and Metz Catering for Octoberfest, Epstein said.
“International Club is a social club of international and American students on campus who simply enjoy sharing and exploring their own and other cultures,” Linton said. “We help new international students get accustomed to America and smoothly transition to Hillsdale College, and we help American students experience a bit of life abroad with international movie nights, international feasts, charity fundraisers, lectures, and displays such as Cultural Fair.”
This year, International Club has T-shirts for sale, according to Epstein. Linton said those interested in study abroad or other countries and cultures are welcome to attend any International Club event.