In 2017, two undergraduate students began the tradition of the International Festival at NC State. NC State offices later decided to continue the event to emphasize diversity, connection, and cultural competency throughout campus. So, why was it not advertised to its full extent around campus, and why were so many students confused by the loud and colossal display of tables and music at Stafford Commons? Does NC State care about diversity, connection, and cultural competency, or is it another loophole for funding?
Promotion of the event only took place through members of other cultural associations around campus, meaning that only a selected few who were already part of international clubs were informed about the event. Others gathered there because of friends who were associated with one of the few cultural tables. However, most students at Stafford Commons had no prior knowledge about the event. Many disregarded its presence, and others were too busy to care.
Speaking to students who attended the event, they shared feelings of gratitude and belonging; Noemi Nachnani, a sophomore at NC State who transferred to State this year, shared, “I often feel like our campus is not super diverse as it is a PWI so it was cool to see so many cultures represented. I loved getting to try different international treats and meeting people from all over the world. I learned about organizations I did not know existed before the festival”. She explained that she initially found out about the event through an Instagram post.
The event involves different international clubs highlighting their culture through pictures, food items, music, language, and dance performances. However, the event lacked a few key elements that could have enhanced the students’ experience. The event was set to begin at noon; however, by 11:00, the event had already begun, and students had already walked through all available tables. Food items were already gone at the Brazilian table, and a few empty tables did not get the early start memo.
Additionally, there were members from different tables who did not show any interest in speaking to students and were unaware of the requirements of setting up a table. Table displays were split between the International clubs and NC State Organizations such as Study Abroad, GSE, and GTI. However, NC State-affiliated organizations were more prepared and equipped for the event than the international clubs, which were supposed to be the stars of the show. Why was there such a big discrepancy?
Rose Soltani, a member of ISA and President of PCLA on campus, exclaimed her love for the International Festival; however, as a member, she was unaware of the event happening and was informed at the last minute. The lack of knowledge among clubs about the International Festival was repeated as a common thread by both clubs and students. The disorganized level of representation hints towards the possibility of NCSU using the International Festival as an opportunity to raise funding for their agenda rather than signifying the diversity and amalgamation of different cultures in the student populace.
If the IFEST objective is to create an environment of diversity and cultural competency among the student body, they sure need to work on organizing an event that does exactly that. Clearly, the lack of communication and preparation effects the impact they are setting at NCSU. For a school that asserts dominance in diversity in comparison to other institutions in the area, expectations are not being currently met among the International community.
