The sounds, sights and smells of cultures from around the world filled TRU’s gymnasium Friday as the school celebrated the end of International Days with an all-day festival.
More than 40 groups representing cultures from as far as Malaysia, Ukraine, China, Mongolia and the Middle East performed traditional songs or dances in a non-stop display of entertainment stretching seven hours.
Eight booths were set up along the walls of the gym showcasing eight different countries, and along the mezzanine above the gym floor, visitors picked from foods from four different regions.
Berkay Ulas, a student from Turkey, manned the Turkish booth as Pooyan Dijani, one of his fellow students, played guitar and sang a ballad on the main stage.
Ulas, who has studied at TRU for two years, said there is about six Turkish students on campus right now. He said he is proud to present his country and culture in such a way, and hopes people learned a little from the items, pictures and books on his booth’s table.
Some of the items included a “saz,” a small Turkish guitar, a Ottoman sword and a unique carved pipe made from ivory-like stone found only in Turkey.
“I am grateful to be here,” he said.
Adrian Conradi, TRU’s associate director of international student services, said the event is a visible reminder of the importance of the international community at TRU.
Fifteen per cent of the students at TRU are from other countries, he noted. Students from 70 different countries study here.
Friday’s festival was the grand final to a week of international activities, he said.
“Traditionally, it’s been a chance to showcase all the things happening at TRU with an international flavour,” he said. “We want to highlight to the students — and to the public — these things are happening (at TRU), by focusing one week on international activities.”
This year the school broadened the focus slightly, by seeking more participation from TRU’s academic community. Faculties were invited to seek out guest speakers from other countries to present at TRU in their fields.
In the end, six guest scholars, including visitors from Australia and Slovakia were on campus this week to speak to the classes and audiences.
TRU also hosted an international education leaders forum.
