Arts Around the World: international students celebrate heritage

The International Friendship Affair will take place on April 21, from 1 to 4:30 p.m. in the Student Union Apollo Room.

The International Friendship Affair brings together Macedonian dancers and Danish singers this year in a celebration of Arts Around the World.

The International Friendship Affair has been a staple of the Wright State calendar for 28 years. Each year showcases a different theme. On April 21, performances and booths center on arts in different cultures. Past themes have included weddings, sports, festivals, music and family traditions.

“It’s really to highlight the international students and their contributions to our campus in terms of internationalizing the campus and bringing their cultures and their traditions to our university,” said Michelle Streeter-Ferrari, director of the University Center for International Education (UCIE).

Ferrari said that this year, Wright State has its highest number of international students to date. Between 850 and 900 students from around the world currently call themselves Raiders. They are from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, India, China, Libya and many other countries—62 in all.

Wright State has its highest number of international students to date. Between 850 and 900 students from around the world currently call themselves Raiders. They are from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, India, China, Libya and many other countries—62 in all.

Several of those international students work in UCIE as graduate assistants. Namrata Dave is helping to organize of the International Friendship Affair. She has helped book professional and student performers for the event.

“Every year we have different performances,” she said. “This year it is Arts Around the World, so we are promoting the different forms of art in different countries.”

Professional acts include Latin, Irish and Macedonian dancers. Students will perform African and Indian dances, and a Danish and a Turkish student will both sing.

“The graduate assistants play a big role in planning it, and the students themselves spend a lot of time setting up booths and dancing and practicing for performances,” said Streeter-Ferrari.

The festivities begin with an international flag parade and opening remarks from President David R. Hopkins. Admission is free and there will be refreshments.

The International Friendship Affair will take place on April 21, from 1 to 4:30 p.m. in the Student Union Apollo Room.