Corban University’s Second Annual International Fair has finally arrived. Today starts the weeklong celebration of diversity here at Corban.
Jeff Benjamin, Director of International Student Support, said that he is excited to see Corban come together as a community. The fair will give students the chance to get to know the international students and he is excited for students to put names with faces and get acquainted with each other and the different cultures represented here at Corban.
“When it comes to our international students, we want to help them get used to American and Corban culture while letting them know that we value their own cultures,” He said. Monday’s chapel starts the beginning of the International Fair.
Joaquin Silva-Arcos from Peru said he is excited for chapel because he will be playing guitars. During chapel, international students will be introduced and a few of them share about their life here at Corban University.
One of the guest speakers in chapel will be Louise Claude from Cameroon. “It’s always good to share my culture with people who can relate to change in culture,” He said. “I’m not the only one. Sharing about my country is something I love!”
Another speaker in chapel will be Katerina Nilo from Greece who will cook Greek cuisine at Aramark one night this week. “I’m excited to share my culture with other students,” She said. Aramark will also be serving a night of Indonesian cuisine.
Tonight in Schimmel Hall from 8 to 9 p.m. students can enjoy a world tour display. Each country with a student here at Corban will be represented, and the international students will teach whoever wants to learn a couple phrases in their native languages.
On Tuesday, also in Schimmel, the event Pray around the World is planned. Stephani Olua of Indonesia put together requests from the international students either personal or global. Anyone can come to Schimmel from 8 to 9 p.m. to pray informally for the different countries represented here at Corban.
On Wednesday, Leddy Ansanay from Indonesia will lead the International Craft Night in the Balyo upstairs lobby. “I am most excited about the craft night. I want to introduce my culture to other people,” she said. “I am so glad I am actively participating this year!”
On Thursday night at 8 p.m. in the PVG movie room an International Movie Night is open to students.
“On my heart is the continued desire to help us be sensitive to the needs around us,” said Benjamin. “Corban is a caring community. The International Fair gives us a chance to practice hospitality to ‘strangers’.”