The 27th Annual International Night was certainly one for the books! Students, faculty and staff were thrilled to see the event return in person, following a three-year hiatus due to the global pandemic.
The event concept, originating from a group of international students, was designed to bring enhanced international representation to campus, giving international students an opportunity to showcase their culture and cuisine. What started as a potluck gathering in the International Centre back in 1996/7 has now evolved into an impressive cultural production that has become a highlight of the winter term.
“The significance of the event is huge for our international students,” says Tom Brophy, Associate Vice-President, Student Affairs and Services. “Many of our international students are unable to travel back to their home countries during Winter Break, so this event gives them an opportunity to come together, celebrate their culture and feel a bit closer to home.”
Within just a few years, the International Night grew into a highly anticipated, gala-style event, incorporating international cuisine and cultural performances, organized annually by the International Student Centre alongside the Students Acting for Global Awareness (SAGA) volunteers.
This year’s International Night kicked off with a flag ceremony, with students proudly carrying their home country flags through the audience onto the stage. The event boasted speeches from notable personalities at Saint Mary’s including President Rob Summerby-Murray, Student Affairs and Services AVP Tom Brophy and SMUSA President Isobel Tyler before moving into a buffet dinner filled with an array of internationally inspired selections.
“This event is of paramount importance to our international students and to our SMU Community at large,” says President Summerby-Murray. “We are a dynamic campus with a large international student population, and this event is an important component in reinforcing a sense of belonging and recognition at Saint Mary’s.”
Following dinner came an exceptional experience of cultural celebration featuring eleven different performers/groups representing their countries through song and dance:
SAGA – Flags Presentation
Nepalese Dance – Traditional Nepalese Dance
NS Chinese Culture & Arts Club – Erhu Performance
Glimpse of Nepal – Nepalese Folk Dance
Team Bangladesh – Pop Music Acoustic Performance
Imani Tribe – African Christina Acapella/Acoustic Performance
NS Chinese Culture & Arts Club – Paper Fan Scholars Dance
Aasha – Classical & Modern Bollywood Dance
Team Bangladesh – Cultural Heritage Dance
Shiray Tan – The Parent Song
The Spice Girls – A mix of traditional dances
Prior to the event’s conclusion, Ysaac Rodriguez, Manager of the International Centre, spoke about the importance of the event and the work coming out of the International Student Centre. “When you’re living away from home,” says Rodriguez, “having an opportunity to wear and showcase your cultural/traditional clothes, or to perform something representing your culture is such a meaningful experience and gives the students enormous pride.”
The International Student Centre and SAGA wish to thank the emcees, speakers and performers for their contributions to an incredible evening. International Night was made possible by sponsorship from: The President’s Office; Student Affairs and Services; the SMU Bookstore; Aramark; SMUSA; Loong 7 Chinese Restaurant; and Zuya Production.
