UTD celebrated its diversity during International Week April 5-9, exposing the campus to different cultures around the world.
“We are all international” was the slogan for the events, sponsored by International Student Services. The week kicked-off April 5 with a parade of flags representing all nations from which UTD has current students.
Following the parade, participants headed to the Galaxy Rooms for “Passport to the World.” Traditional food tasting, music and fun were the main ingredients of the afternoon where students and faculty learned about the featured countries.
“This event celebrates the diversity on campus and presents the students who are participating in a positive way,” said Josephine Khamisi, international programs coordinator. “It is a lot of fun and students are very involved. From rehearsals to the actual presentations, everybody (responded and had) a good time.”
UTD has 2,200 international students, representing about 16 percent of the total student body.
Many who were born in the United States but have parents who immigrated from other countries enjoyed the culture presented during the week as well.
“We have a very large group of first generation immigrant families who are still attached to their own culture and traditions,” Khamisi said.
The April 9 finale took place in the main gym of the Activity Center, where the Talent Showcase was held.
With performances ranging traditional dances to native fashion shows, 22 countries were represented between the hosts and the performers. During this time, awards were given to the participants of the winning booths from the “Passport to the World” event. The booths received awards for best overall display, best food and best national dress competing in the categories of people’s and critics’ choice.
To mark the end of the celebration, the gym was transformed into a dance floor where people rocked their bodies in the “World Beat Dance Party.” The guest DJ mixed the most popular tracks form the hottest clubs in Mumbai, Ibiza, Mexico and the DFW metroplex.