Brookhaven Courier

Issue date: 4/16/07 Section: News

Media Credit: Glen Sovian A dancer from the Folklorico Ollimpaxqui Ballet Co. performed at the International Day celebration, accompanied by a mariachi band.

Media Credit: Shreeya Rana Niloofar Jowkar and Mahshid Haddadipour, Brookhaven students from Iran, displayed a Persian samovar at the International Day celebration.

Media Credit: Shreeya Rana Middle Eastern dance troupe

Media Credit: Chris Vivero A dancer from Folklorico Ollimpaxqui Ballet Co. performs native dance.

Music from around the world filled the air as students displayed an array of cuisines, dances and garments from countries all over the world at Brookhaven College on April 4.

The annual International Day celebration provided students the chance to experience foreign cultures on campus.

International students brought items to represent their home countries and displayed them at booths that were set up in the International Courtyard from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Sheri Van Court, professor of English for Speakers of Other Languages, said, "We organize this event in order to let American students, staff and community know about other countries and their cultures and history."

Van Court said the event gives people who have never been abroad an opportunity to learn about the world outside of the United States.

People of different ages and nationalities crowded around international students to get a taste of what their cultures had to offer.

Nepalese students at their booth displayed crafts, traditional clothes and pictures from Nepal. Colombian students provided viewers with authentic music and dance.

The Brookhaven Student Government Association offered students a chance to savor the delicacies of the Middle East. They served baklava, fatayer (made with spinach and meat) and pita sandwiches while salsa rhythms from Mexico resounded in the courtyard.

"I felt like I was in Mexico," Brookhaven student Muma Flaviano said. "The only thing that kept me from jumping up and dancing was my half-eaten pita sandwich."

Attendees could try South Korean rice punch, dumplings and rice cakes. Also available was a Belizean dish made with rice and beans.

Diana Rojas, an ESOL student, said: "I was surprised to see such a variety of students. I have learned about some countries that I had never heard of before."

Christian Suarez, another ESOL student from Colombia, said the event was a great opportunity to meet other people and experience the richness of Brookhaven's diversity. He also liked the friendly atmosphere.

"I love the people here and the way the international community comes together," Suarez said.

Van Court said the turnout included mostly international students.

She said participation from American students is growing and those who do come have a great experience.

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