A Moveable Feast
A colorful array of flags hanging in the light-filled lobby of the Gerrish School of Business & Ginger Judge Science Center last week signaled the arrival of the annual Global Village celebration.
Sponsored by the Intercultural Club and the Office of International Education, Global Village welcomed Global Gulls from more than 20 countries to represent their cultures through the sights, sounds, and flavors of their home countries. Visitors could “travel” from one table—or country—to the next, getting their “passport” stamped along the way.
“Global Village is our signature international event of the semester where we celebrate the cultural diversity within our community,” said Warren Jaferian, Dean of International Education. “It’s a time to showcase and honor the foods, music, dress, and other aspects of cultures represented by our students, faculty and staff.”
Political science major Tifany Batista prepared her favorite treat from back home in Panama. “It's a coconut honey treat with cashews,” she said. “One of the reasons it's special is that we make it with cane honey—or molasses here in the States—which is thicker than bee honey.”
Mateo Creel, a sport management major, shared a presentation full of fun facts about Mexico. Students learned that color TV was invented by Guillermo González Camarena, a Mexican native, in 1963. A playful traditional Oaxacan wood carving of a praying mantis adorned his table as well.
Business management major Hanane Ben Belaid decorated her table with items from Morocco, including a scarf and traditional headdress in the customary colors of green and red. She shared an array of nuts and dried fruit with visitors and also prepared a traditional Moroccan tea.
Alumni Yoshi Murata ’21 shared a presentation on Japan, which visitors learned is made up of 6,000 small islands. Murata also displayed photos of Japan’s national sports, including Kendo and Judo. All middle and high school students in Japan are required to learn either one of these sports, and Murata himself has practiced Kendo for the past 15 years. He also offered visitors matcha-flavored Kit-Kat candy bars, a specialty in Japan.
Graphic design major Gabriela Diaz adorned her table in colorful photos of Venezuela, including an extraordinary waterfall called Salto Ángel, or Angel Falls, the world’s tallest uninterrupted waterfall. Guests at her table enjoyed tequeños—a delectable dish similar to mozzarella sticks, but the cheese is instead wrapped in flour and fried.
Added Jaferian: “It’s a real joy to see the camaraderie and engagement of our community across cultures.”
Interested in learning more about international studies at Endicott? Follow our Global Gulls on @endicottabroad or visit the Office of International Education located in the Diane M. Halle Library.