The International Student Organization (ISO) will host the 26th annual Festival of Nations Saturday, April 11, from noon to 5 p.m. at DU’s Driscoll University Center.
“The Festival of Nations is a celebration of world diversity and is a great way to learn about other countries’ traditions and cultures in a fun, exciting atmosphere,” says ISO President Lidia Zurek.
Zurek, a recent graduate of the international business program, is from Nowa Lipnica, Poland. She says the first time she attended the festival she learned a tremendous amount about other cultures.
“I believe it is extremely important as well as fun for international cultures to gather for one day and forget about political, religious and racial discrimination; it’s a day to celebrate what amazing diversity our world has to offer us,” she says.
The festival will feature all-day entertainment including music, traditional dance and ceremonies. In addition, more than 30 booths from student and nonprofit groups will feature displays, decorations, food and activities with an international focus.
Zurek says it is also a great opportunity for students considering study abroad to meet people from the area and learn about the country they might want to study in.
As of fall 2008, DU has 286 international undergraduate students from 51 countries and 387 international graduate students representing 60 countries.
The event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.du.edu/intl/fon/.