International Students Build Cultural Bridges at Central
International students brought home to Central Saturday night through Culture night
Sarah Coss/Muleskinner
Issue date: 4/19/07 Section: News
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"The show allows students to see a little bit of different cultures and how they are different," said Maiko Taneda, of the Office of International Programs. "This builds a bridge between
international students and the community."
ISO officers, the Office of International Programs, and Marsha Garcia-Scobie, graduate assistant for the Office of International Programs, coordinated the show.
Preparation for the show began early this semester. There was only one formal practice for all of the participants, which was Saturday before the performance. However, each group practiced and choreographed their routines separately.
ISO hosts a Culture Night once each semester. Taneda said this year was different from previous years because they divided up the festivities. In the past a dinner showcasing food from different countries would be prior to the talent, fashion and flag shows. However, Taneda said ISO decided to have the dinner last semester and the shows this semester to make it easier to coordinate. Although there was many people that attended, the turnout was not as large as previous semesters.
"We usually have more [audience members] because of the food," Taneda said. "Since we divided [the program] up this time, and with the weather conditions, we were very happy with the variety and amount of people that came."
Those involved with the coordination of the program also faced a last- minute setback, when one of the acts wasn't able to participate. However, the coordinators decided against having an additional act as a replacement.
"It actually worked out well," Taneda said. "The groups had five-to-six minutes, which was a short amount of time to begin with, but then they had about two extra minutes and didn't have to rush."
The hosts, ambassadors and participants were not the only people dressed in the traditional attire of their country - audience members dressed the part, as well.
"I think it was cool because they were trying to merge with culture night and really be a part of it," Pakhira said. "You could feel a sense of culture and how it feels for them to wear it."
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