Campus Life

UWF Celebrates the World for the fifth year

More than 30 countries were represented by UWF’s very own international students at the 5th annual UWF Celebrates the World event held Tuesday. Students brought traditional foods native to their countries and modeled native clothing for attendees.

More than 30 countries were represented by UWF’s very own international students at the 5th annual UWF Celebrates the World event held Tuesday. Students brought traditional foods native to their countries and modeled native clothing for attendees.

“The purpose of this event is to increase awareness about other cultures around the world, as well as encourage students interested in studying abroad,” said Rachel Errington, director of the International Student Office and Study Abroad at UWF.

A packed auditorium full of cheering students and faculty welcomed the start of the fashion show. Students from Saudi Arabia kicked off the show, followed by Bangladesh, India, and Ukraine, to name a few. Each group that crossed the stage proudly waved their country’s flag.

Ukrainian native Kateryna Tonkoshkur, a student in the Intensive English Program, was excited to be involved in the event.

While handing out samples of pumpkin pie topped with chocolate syrup to eager students, Tonkoshkur explained, “It helps students improve their knowledge about other cultures and find new friends at the same time. I hope to be involved in more events like this in the future. It’s really been a pleasure.”

“We are currently at roughly 400 international students here at UWF, and we want that number to grow,” said Errington. “This event gives them the opportunity to showcase their culture, which they don’t get to do often.”

For information about Study Abroad, contact Rachel Errington at 474-2368 or email rerrington@uwf.edu.