Maquella Chacon

Staff Writer

International Night takes place at ISU every spring and introduces new cultures to staff, students and Pocatello community members.

This year’s event took place in the PSUB ballroom on March 9. It included a flag show, special performances and showcasing by international students attending ISU and food from around the world.

The 2019 International Night provided attendees an opportunity to learn about and interact with the international students attending the university. The theme of the night was “embracing diversity.”

All cultures are celebrated at International Night, but each year emphasis is placed on a select few. The 2019 event highlighted Nepal, Ireland, South Africa and Latin America.

The event opened with a presentation of flags from all 58 countries from which ISU students hail, along with a presentation of pictures and numbers for each student representing that country.

Performances and food were provided by international students and corresponding country and culture clubs. Traditional songs, stories and new-age and traditional dances were performed on the stage throughout the night.

Notable performances included Irish folk dancing; a traditional folklore story presentation by the African Student Association; Middle Eastern, Irish and South American songs being sung by club members; and a tribute to all cultures through 1990’s songs and dances.

Raffles took place on the hour and rewards for trivia were also given out. Rewards included Chartwells flex dollars and higher ticket items such as headphones and a smart TV.

In addition to raffles engaging the audience, a photobooth was set up, encouraging audience members to participate and share their experience.

Proceeds from this event were donated to Benny’s Pantry, which provides food support to ISU students.

The event was hosted by international students from Mexico, Nepal, and Ireland. Their jokes and interaction with the audience helped create the sense of togetherness that International Night hopes to inspire and celebrate.

Many people were in attendance, the line to enter was long and filled with people in cultural garb who were excited to participate in the event.

Though many clubs and associations are to thank, the main contributor to International Night was the International Student Association. According to its mission statement, the association “[p]romotes activities and interaction among international students and strives to promote better understanding between the various cultures and the campus community.”

Through hosting a yearly international night, the association does just that, and inspires more everyday celebration of diversity on campus and in the community.