Community | Events | Featured | News | StudentsNovember 16, 2023

International Education Week Concludes with Culture Fest

The University of Arkansas – Fort Smith Office of International Relations finishes International Education Week by hosting UAFS Culture Fest ’23. The event will be held 6-8 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 17, at the UAFS Recreation and Wellness Center, 525 N 51^st St., Fort Smith.

Culture Fest ’23 will have volunteers from several registered student organizations, including the Baha’i Club, Baptist Collegiate Ministry, Black Student Alliance, Cultural Network, Desi Culture Club, Filipino Student Association, Hmong Student Association, Japan Club, K-pop Appreciation and Dance Club, Native American Student Association, Student Government Association, UAFS PRIDE, and Vietnamese Student Association. UAFS faculty, staff, and community members will also be volunteering, showcasing the diverse cultural groups that make the community vibrant and exciting.

UAFS Office of International Relations Student Programs and Services Administrator Noah Schmidt said he believes Culture Fest ’23 and other cultural affinity celebrations help “ensure UAFS remains an inclusive and welcoming place for all.”

The annual tradition is free and open to the public. Booths representing 21 countries and cultural groups will feature cultural and historical artifacts, food, and games. Student and community organizations will perform traditional and modern dances from around the world. There will be a fashion show.

“The students are the stars of this event,” Schmidt said. “I hope people form a positive impression of UAFS as a welcoming and inclusive place, I want people to leave the event thinking about how amazing and dedicated our students are.”

International Education Week is a joint initiative of the U.S. State Department and the Department of Education to celebrate the benefits of international education and exchange. During International Education Week, colleges and universities around the country organize activities and events to highlight their international students and faculty and the study abroad opportunities available for all students.

Schmidt is encouraged by the international student population growth at UAFS and said Culture Fest will only help it continue to grow. Anyone wishing to participate in future Culture Fests can email the Office of International Relations at international@uafs.edu for more information.

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