Flags flew superior and the aroma of delectable cuisine crammed the air April 15 as pretty much 30 diverse campus companies celebrated their special cultures by way of foodstuff and performances at the 2023 Worldwide Expo.
The Global College student Association, an firm that aims to foster group between international learners, and Workplace of Global Solutions, which aids intercontinental Hoyas with visa and immigration-related affairs, co-hosted the function, which featured distinctive cultures and ethnic groups from throughout the world. Nations and locations represented included Greece, Ukraine, the Caribbean, Eritrea, Palestine, South Asia and France, between numerous other folks.
Together with serving worldwide dishes, the party showcased dance and tunes performances from teams like GU Jawani, a bhangra dance workforce the Vietnamese College student Affiliation, an affinity group for Vietnamese Hoyas the Hellenic Association, a local community for Greek and Cypriot learners and the Ballet Folklorico Mexicano, a college student dance ensemble for common Mexican ballet.
Chris Tengey (CAS ’26), a Ghanaian American who lived in Ghana for several years as a baby, explained situations like the Worldwide Expo are key in partaking in cultural discussions to embrace variety at Georgetown College.
“You can go to an party and know individuals have equivalent backgrounds,” Tengey advised The Hoya. “You can also find out from other individuals and how their backgrounds have formed them.”
University student cultural and religious groups, educational departments and sports activities groups alike participated in the celebration at tables displaying a sample of their corner of the earth. For occasion, the Armenian College student Affiliation (ASA) established up a desk and shared Armenian food.
ASA member Armen Asik (SOH ’25) explained he appreciates spaces to specific campus variety and display pride in his Armenian identity.
“Georgetown’s a college that encourages a lot of multiculturalism, and it was great that we had been represented even although we’re a compact club on campus,” Asik told The Hoya. “There aren’t a large amount of Armenians who go to Georgetown, but we’re very proud to be Armenian.”
Lela Tolajian (SFS ’26), yet another member of the ASA, reported the finest section of becoming a member of the corporation is the Armenian group she’s made on campus.
“We do a whole lot of cultural situations,” Tolajian informed The Hoya. “We’ve gotten with each other and experienced foods, and absent to protests alongside one another.”
Kyryl Myronenko (SFS ’26), a member of the Ukrainian Culture, reported he loved sharing his country’s society at the event.
“Global Expo was almost nothing but a excellent time on a Sunny Saturday on the Copley Lawn! At the Ukrainian Society’s table, we had varenyky (classic dumplings), syrnyky (cheese pancakes), kompot (sweet beverage), Ukrainian candy, and many more,” Myronenko wrote to The Hoya.
Myronenko mentioned food was a crucial channel for fostering connections and introducing learners to Ukrainian culture.
“Through presenting cuisine, all college students engaged in intercultural dialogue and were equipped to share with the scholar overall body some thing critical to their id,” Myronenko wrote. “It was a fantastic possibility to fulfill new college students and unfold the phrase about Ukrainian tradition!”
Tengey said he hopes Georgetown will continue to foster intercultural dialogue to welcome new and existing college students, specifically all those from overseas.
“I believe it’s important that Georgetown as an establishment generates spaces the place individuals of shade really feel risk-free and come to feel in community, in particular if they are coming from parts of the region or other parts of the globe the place their culture is quite unique to them,” Tengey explained to The Hoya. “So it feels like home to them when they come listed here and can adapt a lot easier.”
