This Friday, get ready to dance, learn about many cultures and sample food from across the globe at what could be the biggest International Night yet.
The Organization of International Students presents its 32nd annual International Night tonight starting at 5 p.m., running in rooms throughout the Smith Memorial Student Union.
The annual event, this year dubbed “PDX International: Under the Same Sky,” has long boasted an array of international foods and a variety of performances–from dancing to singing to martial arts–from around the world. In recent years, a fashion show was added.
This year’s shindig will offer the same entertainment as always, but now, way more of it.
Oko Davaasuren, an OIS coordinator, said there will be more student performers, more food and “way more models.” PSU students representing over 84 countries will participate in the event. Davaasuren sees the night as an opportunity to showcase PSU’s cultural diversity and describes PSU as “probably one of the most diverse campuses in Oregon.”
“We really get to represent ourselves,” he said.
Sudin Maharjan, who is organizing the fashion show, felt similarly.
“There are so many international students here,” she said. “I want to present my country.”
Showcasing fashion from other countries is a large part of the event, and this year 37 different nations will be represented in this year’s fashion show.
Maharjan has no interest in fashion, but was drawn to the opportunity to work with such a large variety of cultures.
International Night this year is different in that it was not simply an effort of OIS like in years past. Davaasuren said that other student groups, administrators, the Alumni Office and Student Recreation all pitched in to make the event a reality–making it bigger than ever in a year when OIS was short on funds. This is Davaasuren’s third and final year working at the event, and he plans to finish on a strong note. “Hopefully this will be the biggest one ever,” Davaasuren said.
“It’s a good tradition that we’ve had for many years that will hopefully continue to grow in the future,” he added. International Night will be held in the Smith Memorial Student Union at 5 p.m.
Food will be offered in Parkway North, room 101, and multicultural booths will be set up in room 228. Performances will follow at 7 p.m. in the Ballroom, room 355. Cost is $10 for students and $11 for non-students. Tickets are available at the box office.