Attendees can learn more about the cultures of Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Latin America and the Caribbean during the International Friendship Affair at Wright State on Saturday, April 5.
Belly dancing, cloggers, a fashion show and exotic food will highlight the 30th International Friendship Affair at Wright State University.
The Saturday, April 5, festival, to be held at the Student Union, will also feature by students a flag parade, performances, an award ceremony and cultural booths from Africa, Asia, the Middle East, India, Mexico, Latin America and the Caribbean.
“The Friendship Affair is a golden opportunity for the community to connect with our international students and experience their rich cultures,” said Michelle Streeter-Ferrari, director of the University Center for International Education (UCIE).
Wright State currently has the most international students it has ever had. New international students at the university increased by 85 percent this spring to 1,648.
A fashion show is one of the highlights of the annual International Friendship Affair.
The International Friendship Affair is also a way for UCIE to celebrate its ongoing relationship with Dayton’s diverse international community. In addition to Wright State staff, faculty and students, members of the Dayton community are invited to the free event, which runs from 1 to 5 p.m.
“I strongly urge Wright State students, faculty and staff to attend,” said Stephen Foster, associate vice president for international affairs. “It is a great way to engage with our international community, meet members of our campus community who represent many different parts of the world and to participate in a genuinely festive occasion.”
The UCIE acts as a catalyst for international education at Wright State, creating an environment in which students, faculty and staff have increased opportunities to gain international understanding through learning and experience.
The center coordinates efforts to support and advise international students and scholars and assist them in achieving academic and personal success; promotes cross-cultural understanding by developing and coordinating exchange and study-abroad opportunities; and collaborates with academic departments and global partners to internationalize the curriculum and seek external funding to support new international initiatives.
More information on the Friendship Affair is available on the UCIE website.
Difficult conversations 
Celebrated Wright State alum serving his community as surgeon 
Wright State University Foundation awards Students First Fund grants 
Cosmic collection 
Wright State revives student-faculty collaborative writing journal 