By Rachel Steinbacher
International Education Week took place during the week of Nov. 17, bringing a campus-wide celebration of cultures throughout the world.
The highlight of the week was the Global Student Celebration, an evening dedicated to unity and cultural expression. Students showcased their backgrounds through singing, dancing, and cuisine from around the world – including an interesting remix of Travis Scott’s hit song “FE!N.”
What began as a quiet room, quickly transformed into one of the most energetic student celebrations on campus this semester.
Shelby Mansfield, assistant director for International Student Services, explained the performances change every year and the students take time to perfect them.
“We have had anything from fashion shows to cooking demonstrations,” she said. “This year, students were leaning towards singing, dances, and bands.”
Mansfield said the students prepare for their performances very thoroughly and even have a rehearsal the night before. There are bands practicing, friends talking, and a full run through of the whole night.
Lucia Coeslier, a student from France, said that they were putting in an insane amount of effort to perfect the final performance.
“I am most nervous/excited for my performance,” she said. “It is a classic French song.”
Watching the performances is a great way to end the night after eating international food. Mansfield said eating before the performances allows attendees to come together and enjoy a meal. Some of the food served included bahn mi, egosi soup, and baklava as well as drinks like horchata. Most of the food was made locally in Fort Wayne but the school even reached out to a company in Michigan to help celebrate.
Each dance, song, and food represented something uniquely meaningful from the performers’ culture. Colombian student Catalina Vigoya Ruiz explained how the song she chose has been sung in her family for decades.
While she was performing, there were students from Colombia in the crowd dancing along. Another thing you see a lot at this celebration: students coming together.
Dancing is symbolistic for many countries around the world and a way of communication. India, which has the leading number of international students at PFW, has a popular dance called Bharatanatyam which is known for its expressive gestures, storytelling and intricate footwork.
“When I’m dancing, I feel back home again for a moment,” said student performer Lisha Choudhary, from India. “The performance is a mix of traditional Indian dance and American pop culture.”
As the celebration wrapped up, performers were greeted with applause, hugs, and questions from students who wanted to learn more about the dances and songs they saw.
Some stayed long after the final performance ended, taking photos with their friends and continuing conversations about culture, identity, and what it means to be part of a diverse campus.
For those who attended, the Global Student Celebration marked more than just the end of a themed week. It was a reminder of the power the community holds and the diversity international students bring to Purdue Fort Wayne.
And for those few hours on Friday night, campus felt a little smaller and the world felt a little closer.