Cultures, bright colors and movies highlight 31st IFA Festival

From a bright international fashion show to ethnic cuisine and cultural films, Wright State will host the “International Friendship Affair Festival: Movies around the World” on Sunday, April 19, from 1 to 5 p.m. in the Student Union.

The event is free and open to the public.

This annual festival celebrates Wright State University’s diverse population and Dayton’s diverse international community through cultural dance performances, a flag parade, a global fashion show, colorful displays, ethnic cuisine and prizes.

“The opening ceremony, with the students carrying their country flag, is really inspirational,” said Michelle Streeter-Ferrari, director of the University Center for International Education (UCIE) at Wright State. “Now in its 31st year, the IFA is an opportunity to engage a truly international community and meet people from all over the world right here on the Wright State campus.”

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 April 19.

Wright State is proud of the diversity among its students especially within the international student population. The cultures represented by the larger country populations at Wright State will be incorporated into the festival.

“Wright State is truly committed to diversity, and this event is a prime example of our on-going commitment to that,” said Streeter.

With Wright State students representing 66 countries, the UCIE plans one of the most unique and celebrated events on campus.

“There’s a lot going on, a lot of colors and a lot of celebration,” said Joy Wanderi, associate director at the UCIE.

Annually, approximately 500 to 600 individuals attend the festival.

Table displays are run by students and are selected based upon what students know and are able to talk about.

An award ceremony honors students and community members. The International Student/Scholar Advocate Award is presented to a Wright State faculty or staff member or a Dayton community member who has improved the experience of Wright State students and scholars during their studies at Wright State. The Global Citizen Award goes to an outstanding international student or a U.S. domestic student who has improved the experience of a Wright State student or scholar during their studies.

All funds collected in a raffle contest benefit international student scholarships and study abroad scholarships.

The festival is sponsored by the UCIE with support from other departments.

For more information visit wright.edu/ucie/resource/ifa.html.

Table displays run by students will show off different cultures during the International Friendship Affair Festival: Movies around the World.