Civic and Global Engagement Celebrates International Students with Culture Fair During International Education Week

The Division of Civic and Global Engagement at Arcadia University helped the University community celebrate International Education Week with a Culture Fair, designed to showcase the diverse cultures of Arcadia students, particularly those from other countries.

"Arcadia has diversity in our community and student body, which should be recognized and praised. We have a strong global connection with our on-campus international students and study abroad programs and encourage students to explore the world beyond campus," explained International Student Specialist and Study Abroad Advisor Jessica Doyle. "Arcadia's international students and community members all have something unique and special to contribute. Our differences are strengths, and the more we know, the more connected, and kinder, we can be."

Attendees were given passports and invited to explore at their own pace, stopping by interactive tables representing countries and cultures such as the Dominican Republic, China, Ireland, India, Trinidad and Tobago, Kyrgyzstan, and Cambodia, as well as the Black Awareness Society and the Latine Society.

At each table, attendees could meet and learn from international students, try authentic cuisine from each country, listen to music and language demonstrations, view displays of traditional clothing and photos, and more.

Norelys Perez '26 and Ian Catalino-Vasquez '28 showcased the Dominican Republic with a brief presentation and some of the most popular snacks at the event; they ran out in a matter of minutes.

"I'm really proud and really happy to get to express my culture freely at Arcadia," said Catalino-Vasquez, who moved to Philadelphia from the Dominican Republic at 10 years old. "We know the current state of the world and I'm really happy that we have this space to show something we're really proud of."

At the Kyrgyzstan table, Ameliia and Nelly Tyncherova '26 offered various candies while showing a short documentary and discussing their heritage.

"This event is a great opportunity to show our culture," said Ameliia. "This has been a great way to connect with Americans and teach them about our country."

"It's amazing to be recognized by people and learn together," Nelly added. "People get to know us and ask questions about our culture. The Arcadia community wants to know more about our country and this is a great way to show that. It's also really helpful for international students to be together and make friends with one another because that can be hard too."

Dressed in Lokta Krom Ngoy, a traditional Khmer clothing worn at special events, Chayhok Chhor '27 taught attendees about his childhood in Siem Reap, Cambodia, while offering samples of his favorite Khmer dishes.

"It's really important to me to show culture from such a small country so far away and how different it is from living in the U.S. and at Arcadia," Chhor said. "I'm glad that there are so many ways to do that here."

The Culture Fair underscores Arcadia's commitment to diversity and global engagement, reflecting the University's strong ties to international education through study abroad programs and global partnerships. Events like this aim to inspire students to appreciate the world's diversity, both on campus and beyond.