View Scenes from the Worldfest International Student Festival

A colorful array of umbrellas decorated today’s Worldfest International Student Festival as students, staff and faculty browsed the booths, enjoyed the cultural cuisine and experienced the entertainment at the event that is one of the most visible highlights of Worldfest, UC’s celebration of a world of cultures on campus. The event is sponsored by UC International.

Muthar Al-Ubaidi, one of the festival organizers and professor and department head of the College of Applied Science (CAS) Department of Mechanical Engineering Technology, says events such as the International Student Festival raise awareness that “different is not bad, but it can be good and new and exciting.” Over the years, he says he has witnessed firsthand how the festival brings different cultures together to share stories about their customs. “It’s a very positive event and has been very successful,” he says.

UC doctoral student Elif Bengu will earn her doctoral degree from the College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services this spring. Bengu and fellow students with the Turkish Students and Scholars Association were serving homemade recipes, and also had a special section where visitors could have their fortune read from their coffee grounds. “We’re happy to see people coming by, despite the rain,” she says, adding that the food was very popular.

Graphic design major Amar Singh, a UC sophomore from Loveland, didn’t mind the rain that was leaving the picnic tables empty, as diners searched for shelter over tables. “I’m sitting on the edge of the seat, so I can deal with it,” she said. She and Anthony Delarosa, a second-year student studying Japanese and creative writing, were sampling some of the dishes offered by the Japanese and American Student Society.

Worldfest 2009 runs through the weekend. Here’s what is still ahead:

Thursday, April 30, 2009

4-9 p.m., Room 425 TUC
Worldfest “International Phone Booth”
Sponsored by UC Student Government and UC International, international students can make a free phone call to their families across the world.

7-10 p.m., Great Hall, Tangeman University Center (TUC)
Worldfest International Dance Party: “Culture Clash”
Presented by Ethnic Programs and Services, the program is dedicated to uniting different cultures from across the world through dancing. The dance party includes Hip-Hop, Reggaeton, Punjabi, Filipino and other culturally inspired dance music. The event is free and open to the public.

Friday, May 1

4-6 p.m., MainStreet Cinema in TUC
Film: “Planet B-Boy”
The film screening brings a look inside the world of b-boying, also known as breakdancing. The documentary follows four different people around the world as they struggle with their families, friends and themselves to succeed in the largest breakdance event held every year. The film is free and open to the public.

5-8 p.m., Great Hall, TUC
Nepalese Classical Music Concert
The Nepalese Student Association presents a classical concert featuring Tabala (drum) and Sitar (a type of guitar). Tabala and Sitar are very popular musical instruments in South Asia and Nepal and their combination creates beautiful, Nepalese classical music.  This event is free and open to the public.

6-8:30 p.m., Hillel Jewish Student Center
Worldfest Shabbat
In honor of Worldfest, stop by Hillel for a Worldfest-themed Shabbat. Services begin at 6 p.m., followed by a homemade dinner. This event is free and open to the public.

6 p.m., Room 400 A, B and C of TUC
Friday Night Live Hunger Banquet
Enjoy the night learning about the economies of various countries and how this affects their citizenry and food availability. The meal will be provided. Seating is limited. Call 513-556-6124 or email Erica.Forrest@uc.edu to make your reservation. This event is free and open to the public.

Saturday, May 2

4-10 p.m., Great Hall, TUC
Turkish Night
The Turkish Students and Scholars Association presents a night filled with food and festivities, including two film screenings, a dinner buffet and belly dancing. The two films will illustrate the distinct styles of Turkish cinema from different time periods. The buffet dinner will include various appetizers, kebabs and desserts showcasing the unique flavor taste of Turkish cuisine. In addition to these, there will be a belly dance show by Akasha. The event is free and open to the public.

9 p.m., Alpha Epsilon Pi House, 2625 University Court
Party: Happy Birthday, Israel
Stop by AEPi for a party to celebrate Israel’s independence.
The celebration features food and music, and is free and open to the public.

Sunday, May 3

4-7 p.m., Great Hall, TUC
Taste of India
Taste of India, presented by the UC Student Association for India’s Development (AID)
is a popular, family-oriented celebration of Indian cuisine and the various facets of Indian
culture. Free and open to the public, this event will transport guests to the Indian
subcontinent and provide an opportunity to experience different varieties of Indian food,
music, dance, arts and other customs.

7 p.m., MainStreet Cinema
Movie: “Slumdog Millionaire”
The viewing of the academy award-winning film is free and open to the public.

Worldfest, a Just Community initiative, is co-sponsored by the African American Cultural and Research Center, Aid to India’s Development, the Career Development Center, the Center for Community Engagement, Ethnic Programs & Services, the Hillel Jewish Student Center, the International Business Club, MainStreet, the Muslim American Society, the Nepalese Student Association, Raymond Walters College, Serve Beyond Cincinnati, Society for Bharatiya Heritage, Student Activities & Leadership Development, Turkish Students & Scholars Association, the University Honors Program and UC International.