The Washburn University International Club will host the 2019 Celebration of Cultures at Memorial Union from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 20.

Washburn international students that are part of the club and other student organizations will be present at the celebration. They will share their cultures through food, games, posters and pictures, special decorations, and other activities.

Kasumi Sawaki, a junior business management major, is the president of the International Club.

“It’s an opportunity to learn about different cultures,” said Sawaki. “Students can see and find something interesting and exciting, which they can’t learn just from sitting in class and listening to lectures.”

Washburn international students from over 20 countries will have representatives at tables. The tables will be representing Japan, Saudi Arabia, China, Nepal, Kenya, Korea, Brazil, India, D.R. Congo, and other countries.

It offers a window to the world through enabling people to try delicious international food and drinks and watch performances on campus.

Many of the international students bring special local products from their homes overseas. They put together a showcase of what they think are cultural treasures. Every culture is different and worthy of respect.

The Celebration of Cultures is the biggest International Club event throughout the year. In past years, students have performed on the stage. With the event in the Union this year, people can have closer contact with each other.

It is Sawaki’s second time participating in the Celebration of Cultures. Although there are new challenges and changes, she did her best to get people involved and make it happen.

Sawaki said that it’s a good way to make new friends from other countries and to learn about them.

Andy Vogel, a coordinator for international students, helps the International Program host events in the community.

“This is an excellent opportunity for brightening world views and experiencing different cultures firsthand,” said Vogel. “I also think it can provide an opportunity for personal growth and development by gaining new ways of thinking through interactions with different cultures.”

The Celebration of Cultures is not only an occasion to hear the voice from the world, but also a way to share local culture and life experiences. It’s a place to hang out with friends and take a rest from busy classes in the week for Washburn students, staff and faculty alike.

“I think the Celebration of Cultures is a great opportunity to have fun, learn a few phrases of a foreign language, try some new food, support our international students on campus and learn about the new stuff,” said Vogel.

Everyone is welcome to come to the Celebration of Cultures and meet new friends. For more information, visit the Washburn International Program Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Washburn-University-Office-of-International-Programs-78163437073/.

Edited by Adam White, Jackson Woods