Tash Mahnokaren
Staff Writer
Studying abroad is becoming an increasingly popular phenomenon across the globe and accordingly, the representation of cultural diversity is crucial to any academic setting.
This creates an avenue for enhanced cultural understanding for individuals and having knowledge of the variations across cultures allows individuals to develop perceptions, values and actions more globally accepted.
This in return helps to shape one’s own individual identity and helps them to better understand the world.
An individual that is well versed in cultural tolerance and diversity is better able to assimilate into different environments, and one avenue into this cultural knowledge is through international night.
“We have had international night since 1998,” said Shawn Bascom, International Student Association adviser at Idaho State University.
International Night 2014 will be held on Saturday, Nov. 1 in the Pond Student Union Ballroom beginning at 6 p.m.
“We now have over 1,300 international students on campus,” said Bascom.
Students participate in almost every aspect of International Night, from set-up to the actual proceedings on the night of the event.
Student coordinators from the ISA are assigned to overlook the various aspects of international night.
“It is all done by students; from the cooking to the decorating, the performances and the fashion show,” said Bascom.
The night will commence with a flag show in which students from different countries will showcase their nation’s flag.
The event will have food from five different countries and performances of both traditional and modern dances.
A fashion show featuring students wearing traditional clothing from their respective countries will also be featured.
Under the supervision of a representative, students prepare the dinner to be served on the night of the event in the Chartwell’s kitchen.
Annual funding for international night is usually obtained through ticket sales from the previous year. ASISU is also involved in providing funds for the night through funding opportunities available to clubs and other university organizations and events.
Occasionally, outside sponsors also provide funding for international night.
“The officers usually approach businesses. In the past they have approached different banks and other local businesses,” said Bascom. “Another way that businesses help sponsor the events is through providing raffle type gift certificates.”
While sponsors were approached this year and reportedly seemed to have a positive response to providing funds for international night, the inability to follow up with potential sponsors because of a lack of resources and time, according to Bascom, remains the reason behind the inability to garner the support of sponsors for this year’s event.
“The purpose of the club is to help international students become familiar with each other, make connections with each other and also for our American students to share culture and traditions” said Bascom.
Tickets are $6 for students, $8 for faculty and staff and $9 for the public in advance of the event, and will increase by $1 at the door. Tickets are being sold Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the PSUB or the Rendezvous Complex at the International Night table. Tickets can also be purchased by calling (208) 282-2941.
