Arcadia Celebrates Cultural Diversity during International Education Week

November 22, 2016 • Caitlin Burns

Through performances and presentations, Arcadia University students, faculty, and friends highlighted cultures from around the world at the annual Celebrating Cultures fair on Nov. 16, as part of Arcadia’s International Education Week. Throughout the night, students entertained and informed the audience with cultural dances, a freestyle rap, and even a performance of “Can’t Stop the Feeling” in sign language by Arcadia’s American Sign Language (ASL) club. The night closed with dance performances from Knight Club and the Scarlet Steppers.

Celebrating Cultures participants represented both ethnic and religious cultures, including Catholicism and Judaism. In past years, tables have even been represented by vegetarianism and superheroes.

“I love sharing my culture and seeing everyone else share theirs,” said student Isabela Secanechia ’17, who offered visitors a sample of Brigadeiros, a Brazilian chocolate fudge. “It’s a great experience, and sharing food is a great way to share heritage.”

Warren Haffar, dean of OIA, applauded the event and its value to the campus community. “We are pro-diversity here and we want everyone to feel welcomed,” he said.

The Celebrating Cultures event, part of a tradition at Arcadia for more than 30 years, is just one of the events hosted by OIA for International Education Week, held Nov. 14 to 18. International Education Week is a collaborative effort between the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education to promote international education and cultural exchange worldwide and encourage students to be more prepared for a global environment. In addition to Celebrating Cultures, OIA hosted events throughout the week, including the Phi Beta Delta induction, the International Quiz Bowl, and Open Mic Night.

international studentsoffice of study away

  Warren Haffar