Ouachita’s International Club will host its annual International Food Festival from 6-8 p.m.on Feb. 17. Sponsored by the Grant Center for International Education, the food festival is a way for Ouachita students to catch a glimpse of other cultures through the efforts of the International Club’s members.
“Our theme this year is dance,” said sophomore Stephanie Beck, co-director of the event. “We will have dancers representing every continent from around the globe.”
Beck started getting involved in the club her second semester of freshman year.
“My first semester last year, I had too many hours, but now I’m really connected with people and I love it,” Beck said. “I see the International Club as a family for students that do not have a home nearby. It’s fun and exciting for the international students to get connected to the United States and Ouachita life.”
The festival is held in the Walker Conference Center and costs $5 at the door. Contrary to popular belief, the festival is not a fundraiser.
“We’re really just trying to break even,” said Dr. Ian Cosh, director of the Grant Center for International Education. “The money taken at the door is for entertainment and the cost of food.”
“The International Food Fest has been around for a long time,” Cosh said. “It was not until the Walker Conference Center was built that the festival took off. What was really holding us back was the lack of space.”
This year’s event is expected to be quite the turnout.
“We are expecting anywhere from four to 500 people at this year’s event,” Beck said.
Students in the International Club are certainly looking forward to the event.
“It’s going to be different from years past,” said junior Elisa Modesto, co-director of the event. “We’re stepping above and beyond with entertainment.”
American students in the club value its purpose on campus.
“My favorite part about the International Club is all the different cultures,” Modesto said. “There is always something different, something new to see. It’s become a part of my life.”
International students appreciate the mission of the club as well.
“I got involved with International Club because I am Korean and I wanted to make many different friends,” said freshman David Jeon. “There are American students in the club who want to learn about different cultures, too.”
The food at the festival will be prepared by Ouachita students as well as volunteers from the community to provide authenticity to the event.
“Some of the students who are cooking are international students who want to share their culture,” Beck said.
Though a large crowd is expected, attendance is highly encouraged.
“I would hope that anyone who hasn’t been to the International Food Fest before would come, “ Cosh said, “because they have an opportunity to taste some great food, experience different cultures and enjoy fine entertainment.”
