DSA hosts party to welcome international students

The event featured traditional food and clothing from different cultures.

By Stephanie Ebbs

Published Aug. 31, 2010

The International Student Welcome Party bustled with activity Saturday night as student groups from different cultures gathered to share and socialize.

The smells of the different foods filled the room and students could be seen from different backgrounds and cultures intermingling over food, music or just conversation. Many international students are far from home, here to study at MU, but had the opportunity to share their culture and bring a little bit of their homes to Missouri.

There were booths featuring information about Indian, Vietnamese, Chinese and Korean cultures, as well as others, and information about international business. Many students were dressed in traditional clothing and served their customary foods to other students. There were performances by various student organizations, including a band and traditional Indian dances, complete with brightly colored clothing.

Events like this are a way for international students to share their cultures with their fellow students and give students an opportunity to learn about each other's backgrounds.

Brynne Krause, a student working at the event, said she really enjoys seeing all the different cultures coming together.

"(The event facilitates) student bonding and showcasing what their culture is all about," said Krause.

Krause is a member of the International Programming Committee under the Department of Student Activities.

Ngan Le is a graduate student at the University of Missouri and came from Vietnam to study geography. Le said she likes the international events because it gives her a chance to introduce her traditional culture to other students.

"My favorite part is serving traditional food and talking to people about my culture," Le said.

Le also likes the conical hats many people wear in Vietnamese culture; at her booth they were decorated with purple flowers. The hats are commonly associated with Vietnam and often appear in popular culture.

Another student attending the event was sophomore Zahra Rasool, who came to MU from Mumbai to study journalism.

“I wait for events like these because it's the best way to learn about and experience new cultures without having to travel and spend,” Rasool said.

Rasool said she particularly enjoyed seeing a lot of other Indian students and eating traditional Indian food.

“I think events like these are a necessity in order to showcase the diversity of Mizzou and give local students the chance to sample the mélange of cultures and interact with the international students present on campus,” Rasool said.