Laced in cultural activities and a blend of social and informative booths, the Office of International Affairs' annual International Festival serves to celebrate the campus’ diverse range of cultures and build intercultural connections. Oct. 3 marked the event’s 20-year anniversary.
The lively event featured cultural performances from student organizations such as Namaste Indy East Steps, as well as off-campus groups. Professional organizations who were present alongside student organizations marketed a number of volunteer, internship and employment opportunities.
Catering was also dispersed in sample sizes to provide attendees a glimpse into the tastes of other cultures. Student organizations were also present to engage with attendees and promote their club's mission and opportunities.
Several updates were made to the event this year. Though traditionally hosted in the spring, this year’s event was moved to October to encourage earlier connections between students and organizations. The event was held in Taylor Courtyard, in comparison to previous years being held in buildings like the Campus Center.
For several organizations, participating in the International Festival is not a first for them, but for student organizations like Cultural Connections, the opportunity to engage in such an event is a significant milestone.
Cultural Connections is a new student organization at Indiana University Indianapolis (IUI) focused on fostering cultural intersectionality and creating a shared space of cultural engagement within the campus community.
Kate Jones, sophomore and Conversation Chair of Cultural Connections, highlighted how pivotal the existence of events like this are for students.
“As a student, it means so much for there to be an intentional, dedicated focus on the international community on campus and to acknowledge how vital the presence of such a community is to the purpose of higher education, as well as to focus on the importance of understanding our broader position in the world, as a small part of a very big and vibrant picture,” Jones said.
Jones, who has been traveling since a young age, finds solace in spaces that are internationally intersectional and believes that events like this are essential in the process of creating a cohesive student body.
“Personally, I felt really struck by how many different people were drawn in by the event- not only the organizations that were tabling but even the students who stopped by and the willingness to engage that I saw among everyone,” Jones said. “It was really cool and will stay with me for a while!”
Along with this year's celebration serving as an anniversary, it also marked the second year with full in-person activities after being hosted remotely since 2020. While the event was new to many people, the exotic performances and lively noises brought a familiar warmth to Mary Upton.
Upton is the associate director for scholar services in the Office of International Affairs and helped with this year’s performances.
When reflecting on how the event has developed, Upton recalled the fervent student enthusiasm that has consistently been demonstrated for years. Back when events were only allowed to be catered by Chartwells, students managing the event would send their recipes to chefs to ensure cuisine authenticity.
“They would go down there and taste it,” Upton said. “And if it didn’t taste right, they would tell the chefs, ‘Did you read my recipe or watch my video?’”
Events like this are moving for students like Jones, and she thinks they are imperative in continuing to build a campus community of connections.
“I think they do this, or mean to do this, by showcasing the potential for spaces that are dedicated to intentional engagement with and recognition of the IUI international community, as well as an obligation we all have to take the time to know each other and be there for one another,” Jones said. “I think they provide a means of connection, a means of bridging the gaps that exist in our campus community in terms of connection to one another.”
Heaven Xiong is a senior majoring in management, international studies and journalism, with a minor in economics. She is a writer and Copy Editor for The Campus Citizen. Outside of writing, she is an avid Minute Maid lover, dancer and Swiftie.
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