Building a bridge between cultures
International Student Organization hosts annual International Cultural Expo
​Central Michigan University's International Cultural Expo will take place starting at 3:30 p.m. April 5 in Finch Fieldhouse. Hosted by the International Student Organization, the event will feature cultural performances, a showcase of traditional fashion, display tables, and an international buffet serving Indian and Mediterranean food.
"We want to share our cultures, not just with students but everyone at the university and in Mount Pleasant," said Kimberly Benites Meneses, vice-president of ISO and a general management student from Peru.
President Sara Shalabi, a biomedical and pre-dental student from Saudi Arabia, agrees. "The purpose of our organization is to be the bridge between American culture and international culture."
The first international expo was hosted in the early '90s as a way for international students to connect. Since 2011, it has grown and become a campus and community celebration and a way for the group to really showcase the diversity of CMU.
"This is our chance to represent what we are, who we are and all of our cultures," Shalabi said.
Schedule of events
The International Cultural Expo will host a variety of activities for attendees.
- 4-5 p.m. Cultural Performances, dancing and singing
- 5:15-5:30 p.m. Traditional dress fashion show
- 5:30-7:30 p.m. Country displays, henna and photo booth open