The international food festival organized by International Student Program of Skyline College, on Wednesday, November 18, 2015 was a huge success. Students from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds participated in the event. Some of the countries represented by the students were China, Malaysia, Japan, Middle East and Latin America. The event took place in the cafeteria where students mingled and chatted while tasting delicious snacks from around the world.
Each table represented a different country and provided an informational handout about the country it represented. A very fascinating fact about Japan was that more than 50,000 people living there are over 100 years old! Japan has 5 million vending machines, and it consists of 6,800 islands. Ms. Yayoi Sengoku, a local calligraphy artist who wrote students’ names in Japanese. The Malaysian table had some delicious food and their representatives dressed in beautiful traditional attire. An interesting piece of information about Malaysia is its diversity, which comprises of Malay, Chinese and Eastern Indian being the major 3 races.
The delicious “Alfajores” (caramel sandwich cookies) did not last long on the Latin America table that also presented unique cultural knowledge, like the different languages and diverse dialects spoken by Latin Americans. The students representing China had egg custard tarts and other goodies to share and a few easy words from Chinese language like xing fu (which means being satisfied and content with your life). They also shared fun facts like China being the largest country of the world in terms of population. The Middle East was also represented the Arab countries and gave out useful information that the ‘middle’ in the Middle East comes about because its known as the crossroads of the world. Some students were dressed in Middle Eastern clothing and offered samples of falafel, hummus and other food to taste.
International Food Festival event presented international students with an opportunity to share their cultures, and highlighted diversity that is a key feature of Skyline Community College.
International Student Program will continue to provide international and cultural programs and events for Skyline students, faculty and staff members and the greater Skyline community. Please check future events on the ISP website at: www.skylinecollege.edu/international.
Article by Amber Naeem; Photo by Chikako Walker
