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International Festival is almost here! Join us November 4.

Every year, members of the Center for International Programs (CIP) spend months preparing for one of the largest international celebrations on campus, the International Festival. This year, the campus wide celebration is taking on a new approach and is moving to the fall semester. On Saturday, November 4 from 5:30pm-8:00pm, the International Festival will take over the RecPlex as the final event of International Education Week (IEW). IEW is a national week that celebrates, honors and promotes international education and exchange.

One of the International Festival coordinators is Emily Grasso, Assistant Director for Student Services in the International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) Office. Sharing a few insights on the change of moving the festival to the fall, she offered, “we hope by having it in the fall, and as part of IEW, more of the campus community is able to attend.” This event attracts over 400 attendees, and is a tradition many look forward to each year.

As the tagline states, “food, performance, culture, and community come together for one unforgettable evening.” Among the many exciting aspects of the festival, the student and community engagement is always a highlight. Performances this year promise to be high energy, captivating experiences as in previous years. Some fan favorites are scheduled to return, and adding to the list is Dayton Association of Chinese Americans (DACA) and Redemption Dance Company, a dance and performance art group based here in Dayton. Over 15 countries will be represented through either an engagement booth, performance or in the extensive fashion show finale.

To top off the night, attendees will have the chance to enjoy food options from around the world. Provided by catering and dining services, the festival offers 12 different food items split between two different food stations. Food tickets are only $5.00, and all of the proceeds from the festival go towards a supporting a philanthropic effort for the community; Catholic Social Services Miami Valley (CSSMV) Refugee Resettlement program. This is the third year International Festival has supported CSSMV, with past donations reaching as high as $1,000.00

Finally, another new feature this year is offering the festival as the culminating event for the IEW Passport, a handheld guide to your journey through IEW. Printed copies of the passport are available in the Rike Center, and will be available at each event during the week. Students will be able to take their passport to the different events, earning stamps towards a chance at winning raffle prizes. If students attend at least three events with their passport, they can enter into a drawing at the end of International Festival. Over $400 worth of prizes will be given away based on participation in all of the events.

For more information visit udayton.edu/international/connect/programs/festivals.php and join us on November 4!
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