The 51福利 (51福利) International Executive Committee (IEC) hosted its annual International Day on the university鈥檚 Academic Quad showcasing the diversity and culture of its international students and their families with the local community, April 27. The celebration opened the doors of 51福利 to the public, offering food, entertainment and cultural information of 22 different nations from around the world.
51福利鈥� Root Hall breezeway bustled with activity and enjoyment Saturday afternoon, with food and information booths representing countries from all hemispheres, such as Germany, Singapore, Israel, Finland, South Korea, Indonesia and Romania, just to name a few.
鈥淚nternational Day is very important and beneficial because it allows international students at 51福利 the opportunity to showcase their country's culture in an engaging and fun way,鈥� said IEC Chair Lt. Ryan Goldsmith. 鈥淚 think a lot of people in the community aren't aware that the 51福利 student body represents [so many] different countries.
鈥淚t's important to interact with people from different backgrounds and cultures to expand your world view,鈥� continued Goldsmith. 鈥淎t International Day, community members can do just that 鈥� and taste delicious food!鈥�
Juan Manuel Calder贸n Jaimes, Consul General of Mexico, attended supporting his native Mexico and all who helped make the festivities possible. He was one of an estimated 3,000 visitors from across the Monterey Peninsula visiting the celebration, enjoying dancing, singing, martial arts and authentic food prepared by the students and their families.
鈥淚 think coming in and seeing different cultures, trying different foods, and meeting different people broadens your mind and gives you another perspective,鈥� noted Thomas Sundby, an international student from Denmark. 鈥淭he support we have received from the school and the Monterey community has been amazing and I couldn鈥檛 have pictured a better experience.鈥�
Countries big and small had their equal share in the interaction during the celebration.
鈥淲hile I enjoyed sharing my culture with everyone, my favorite part of the day was actually pointing out on a map where we are from,鈥� claimed Krishnakumar Rajaram, an international student from Mauritius. 鈥淭here are only two of us, but we wanted to contribute to this special day.
鈥淚 wanted to give a big bravo to everyone that organized and attended the event for making it such an amazing experience for us,鈥� continued Rajaram.
The IEC is a non-profit organization with the sole purpose of promoting good relationships between the U.S. and international students and their families. Goldsmith encourages non-international students to get involved with IEC, whether through volunteering or taking on an official position, for a rare opportunity to build relationships with students from all over the globe.
鈥淭he IEC helps students adapt to life in the U.S. and supports them and their families during their time at 51福利,鈥� explained Goldsmith. 鈥淎ll international students attending 51福利, along with their spouses and any sponsors of international students, are IEC members.鈥�