On a sunny day in April, the central plaza at Western Carolina University was filled with the smell of fresh Yemen coffee, along with the sounds of gongs from Indonesia. The feeling of cultural awareness through the students and faculty was in full force.
WCU’s acting chancellor, Alison Morrison-Sheltar, joined international program director Ling Lebeau and associate provost of academic affairs, Brandon Schwab, starting the festival with a world flag parade. Once arriving in central plaza, each flag was placed in the middle of the festivitis giving students the opportunity to take the flag representing their culture.
International students holding up their nations flags Photo by: Austin Page
Among the festivities was live music performed by the Gamelan ensemble featuring WCU students. The ensemble performed traditional Java music from Indonesia, a type of music that is used to worship the gods using instruments like the Gong, Bonang, and Kendang drums. Visitors could learn about Japanese calligraphy, and watch traditional dances from Saudi Arabia and Turkey.
“I am seeing more enthusiasm and curiosity of diverse cultures,” said Lebeau. “People are starting to realize that, ‘oh we have people from other countries here.’ I am seeing more and more awareness which is a really good thing.”
According to Lebeau, approximately 200 students on WCU’s campus are international students from a range of 35 countries. A number that the director hopes will grow within the next few years with the start of NC promise next fall.
WCU student proudly waving the South Korean flag Photo by: Austin Page
Studying abroad was also a big part of the festival as the international program also funds students to take their studies all over the world.
“There are a lot of jobs that are internationally connected,” said LeBeau. “At Western per year we send about 230 students abroad so the numbers are also growing but we would definitely like to see more students to do so.”
