International Bazaar is the kick-off of a series of event celebrating the International Education Week (IEW). This bazaar is a platform for international students to showcase their cultures through table presentations, cultural performances and fashion shows. It thus contributes to expanding knowledge and cultural exchange not only among international students but also American students at the University of Arkansas. The program which was held in Arkansas Union International Connection Lounge began at 11 am. It was opened by Kim Needy, Dean of Graduate School and International Education, and followed by a group picture of the University of Arkansas community in traditional dress.

There were 17 cultural tables presenting student organizations from China, Indonesia, Iran, Japan, Mongolia, the Philippines, Belize, Korea, etc. They displayed some cultural items such as traditional clothing, game, musical instruments. They excitingly explained each of their displayed items to other students who visited their tables and answered any questions they might have. Light meal and drink were provided throughout the program from 11 am to 2 pm. In the meantime, shortly before noon, we also had a fashion show by 9 UofA students from 9 different countries such as Timor Leste by Veronica, Panama by Laury Lopez, Mongolia by Oyut Bayaraa, India by Ketakhi Hirve, Indonesia by Febriyanti Lestari and Masahiro Hashimoto, etc. These students were proud to explain to the audience what traditional clothing they were wearing. Last but not least, we also had a musical performance by Waltram Ravelombola from Madagascar, Santosh from India, and Anh Tuan Tranh from Vietnam, dance performance by Peruvian students, and some motivational speeches such as by Oyut Bayaraa and Abdul Sayari.

Of all the activities during International Bazaar, what was most outstanding was Oyut Bayaraa’s active participation despite her disability due to vision loss. She was involved in three different activities: delivering speech, doing fashion show, and cultural tables helped by her mother Khandsuren Dijjigdog. Oyut is a new international student from Mongolia doing master in Rehabilitation Counseling. She comes to study at the University of Arkansas as a sponsored student funded by a prestigious Fulbright Scholarship program. She was very excited to share her cultures and experiences as an international student. The participation of students like Oyut is part of ISO’s commitment to contribute to inclusion and diversity on campus. (FL)

*More pictures are in the Gallery.

 

 

International Bazaar – Group picture

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