Delaware Tech Owens Campus international students and staff gathered for International Day at the Student Services Center Thursday, April 18.
International Day is a part of the Global Voices section of Delaware Tech’s Global Understanding series for students, staff, and the community to increase diversity and cross-cultural understanding. The events aim to showcase the college’s diversity and give participants an opportunity to share their own global perspectives.
International students brought food from their native countries, presented educational displays, and some even performed on stage. The event ran from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the Dining Hall, and a DJ was present playing
international music throughout the event.
Delaware Tech International Education Coordinator Amy Russell said that International Day has been held for more than 15 years and it is a chance for international students to meet other students at Delaware Tech. She said it is like an open house for international students who all speak English as a second language.
She said many countries are represented as some students will dress up with traditional clothing from their native countries, and some will sing, dance, and play instruments on stage.
“I think it’s important for students to understand because it’s really interesting,” Russell said.
She also said she always enjoys the food that students bring in.
“We’ve also had students who are fantastic cooks, like professional, and they bring in food and it’s just wonderful to sample,” Russell said.
El Salvador native Juan Romaro said he came to the United States in hopes of making his life better. He also said he knew he wanted to come to Delaware Tech.
“I want to improve my English, I want to get a better job and graduate,” Romaro said.
Romaro was sporting an El Salvador jersey for the event.
Brazil native Josiane Morais said she came to the United States in 2005, and she wanted to come to Delaware Tech because she had many friends tell her that it is a good school.
“I love this school,” Morais said joyfully.
Morais was wearing a Brazil jersey for the festivities.
Delaware Tech students can attend Global Understanding events to earn a chance to win a free study abroad experience. Students must track their participation with a Delaware Tech passport which they can apply for at any Global Understanding event.
Students will receive one raffle entry for each event attended, and the raffle winner will be drawn in November.
