By Drew Durst
For The Diamondback
The Around the Globe International Fair opened its doors to students on Tuesday in Stamp Student Union, offering food, a fashion show and a place to learn about international student organizations.
“We wanted to have an event where we bring people together to celebrate their different cultures,” said Lynn-Marie Edwards, a second year public management graduate student and co-chair of the International Student Advisory Board.
The purpose of the event was mainly to help students studying abroad at the University of Maryland meet other international students and foster an international community, Edwards said.
“Coming out of COVID, there are many international students on campus studying abroad for the first time, and it’s hard to meet people and make friends,” she said. “We also have domestic students here. This event is welcome to everyone.”
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Edwards said she was worried about the turnout since it was a rainy day, but she thought the fact that so many people showed up was telling.
International students were encouraged to speak with the International Student Advisory Board about issues they were facing at this university. Since the board is in its second year, Edwards said it wanted to hear from their constituents. The issues they heard about will be relayed back to this university’s International Student and Scholar Services.
Lauren Eng, a senior information science major, went to the fair with a friend.
“It seemed like a really great way to explore the different cultural works around here and also try different foods,” she said.
Beyond the food and events set up by the International Student and Scholar Services, there were multiple cultural and international clubs set up.
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The Afrochique Dance Team, an all girls dance club focusing on dances from across Africa, attended the event. Senior biology major and treasurer of the club Eberechi Mbadugha said she saw the fair as a great way to showcase cultures from around the world and help people learn about cultures they are not often exposed to.
“We’re the only African table here, so it’s really great to see that we’re representing … our continent and being able to educate other people on what Africa has to offer,” she said.
Joseph Moakkit, a senior civil engineering major, attended to represent his culture for the Organization of Arab Students.
“We decided to bring our culture to the table while we can,” he said.
