But anyone who has traveled knows that nothing can take the place of a face-to-face encounter with someone from another culture, and few things create more indelible memories than the sights, smells and tastes of places beyond our own backyards.
Enter International Festival — “I-Fest” for short, UNCG's largest and longest-running annual cultural event. Every spring, UNCG's international community of close to 500 students, from Brazil to Bhutan, turn out for a day-long cultural blitz complete with music, dancing, performances, crafts and of course, lots of food.
Now in its 26th year, I-Fest promotes cultural awareness and appreciation by bringing the world to UNCG to form a global village for a day. Visitors can practice a language, participate in folk dances, games and songs, all without having to pack a bag or take a flight.
Want to learn Bhangara, a lively dance from India or join in an African drumming circle? No problem, I-Fest features activities from more than 40 countries that range from storytelling to capoeria, an improvisational, acrobatic martial art from Brazil set to live music.
The best part of I-Fest is that there is no passport required, says Michael Elliott, director of International Student and Scholar Services at the International Programs Center, which sponsors I-Fest.
“I-Fest is an ideal opportunity for the campus and the greater communities to meet our international students coming from more than 70 countries,” says Elliott.
In addition to I-Fest, the International Programs Center sponsors weekly Friday Fests that give UNCG's international student community a chance to showcase their home countries through lectures, performances and foods.
It's a small world after all.
By Jill Yesko, University Relations
Photoography by David Wilson, University Relations
