SFU hosted Windows to the World, a multicultural appreciation event, on Oct. 20.
Nidhi Bhutani, the University’s Coordinator of International Education, organized the event.
“Coming from a different country, I loved to host it,” she said.
Students and faculty members from Italy, Spain, Costa Rica, Jordan and other nations represented their cultures and shared history from their native countries at the event.
“It’s a small university and a lot of students are from Pennsylvania,” Bhutani said. “If we can show them a glimpse of (different) cultures, it could influence them to explore the beautiful cultures and people around the world.”
Jen Spacht, a junior double-majoring in Spanish and Early Childhood Education, served foods that are popular in different parts of the world at the event.
“Getting to see people’s reactions to experiencing other cultures was a valuable experience,” she said.
Spacht was grateful for the opportunity to learn about different countries at Windows to the World.
“I enjoyed talking to Dr. Youmbi from Cameroon,” she said.
The event also featured Italian and Hawaiian musical performances.
Luci Cicalese, a senior Marketing major, represented Sweden at the event.
“I have a tiny bit of Swedish heritage,” she said. “I enjoyed getting to teach people about something I found cool and important.”
Organizers are planning to make the event an annual one.
“It has already been approved for next year,” said Bhutani. “I would love to see more countries represented and more performances.”
Cicalese noted the importance of experiencing different traditions and cultures.
“Everything in the world is made by God, so it’s really neat to see the way God created things and different people,” she said.
