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International nights to take students away
By Crystal Meyer
The international community within SCSU makes up a small but valuable part of the university. At SCSU there are more than 900 international students who come from over 80 different countries around the world.
To celebrate and understand each of these cultures, the students introduce their homelands to the community every school year with cultural nights.
Cultural nights are an opportunity for students, faculty and the community to learn more about the food, dance, music and ethnic dress of people around the world. The events usually attract at least 500 people, who for one evening explore a different world that is very well known by the students who put on the night.
Ten of the 15 international language and culture student organizations on campus have scheduled cultural nights for the 2002-2003 school year. The first four coming up are: Indonesian Kitchen, Malaysian Night, Indian Night and Pakistan Night.
"I like the different cultural nights," said SCSU junior Christi Lindstrom. "They are really exciting, wonderful learning experiences and a great way to meet lots of new people from all around the world."
Indonesian Kitchen is October 19. The night will feature Indonesian food and other ethnic items. There will also be Indonesian music. The theme this year is, "Knowing Us Better."
Malaysian Night is October 26. The theme is "Malaysia Truly Asia." The night will feature cultural dances such as a belly dance, a bamboo dance, a Chinese dance and an Indian dance. The night's main event will be the 24 season drums, a set of 24 Chinese drums. There will also be food and a fashion show, as well as a booth where cultural merchandise can be purchased.
India night is the third night that will be hosted this year. The theme "Shradhanjali" is a Hindi word meaning "tribute" and the night will focus on a tribute to women in particular. India night will feature a skit, four dances, a presentation and a fashion show.
The fourth night will be Pakistan Night, which will consist of cultural dances, a fashion show and Pakistani food. The theme is "Chand Raat." This is an Urdu expression for moon night, which is also celebrating the Muslims' month of Ramadan and Eid festival.
"We will also have one cultural dance where we will have people come forward from the audience and learn a dance. There will also be games for children because that night is for families as well," said Muhammad Saeed, member of Pakistani Student Association.
Admission fees range from $5 for students to $12 for faculty and public, although each night's admission is individually priced. The events will take place in the Atwood Memorial Ballroom, except Indonesian Kitchen, which will be in the Atwood Brickyard.
The nights are worth the small expense, as they expand knowledge and open up minds to different cultures, religions and ways of living.
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