¾ÅÒ»Â鶹ÖÆƬ³§

KALAMAZOO--The music, dance, food and fashions of 15 cultures will be spotlighted during Western ¾ÅÒ»Â鶹ÖÆƬ³§ University's 23rd annual International Festival from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday, March 25, on campus in the Bernhard Center's East Ballroom.

The event features cultural display tables, performances and a fashion show. Admission is free, and for a nominal fee, attendees may sample traditional foods prepared by international students in campus kitchens under the supervision of WMU Dining Services employees.

International Festival annually attracts about 2,000 students and community members. Attendees are able to "travel" around the world in a single evening while gaining an appreciation for the diversity of cultures prevalent at WMU.

The University enrolls nearly 1,400 international students from more than 90 countries and hosts many international student groups, most of which participate in the festival. Among those participating this year are the Association of Chinese Students and Scholars, Dominican Student Organization, Indian Student Association, Indonesian Overseas Association, Japan Club, Kenyan Students Association, Malaysian Student Association, Muslim Student Association, and the Taiwanese Student Association.

"An incredible amount of collaboration between students and staff takes place over a period of several months to showcase many of the world's cultures in one space," says Marco Ferreira, co-chair for this year's International Festival planning committee and a senior from Troy, Mich. "It's a great opportunity to learn more about our fellow Broncos from around the globe."

The festival is organized by WMU's International Programs Council and Campus Activities Board and co-sponsored by the Haenicke Institute for Global Education, University Cultural Events Committee, Graduate Student Advisory Committee and Western Student Association.

For more information, contact Marco Ferreira at @email or (269) 387-3944 or Craig VanGalder in the Haenicke Institute at @email or (269) 387-3966.