NORFOLK – A taste of the world is returning to Northeast Community College. The College’s International Student Association will host its 11th Annual Cultural Show on Sunday, April 6, from 4-6 p.m. in the Lifelong Learning Center on the Norfolk campus.
The Culture Show is a celebration of the different ethnicities on the Northeast campus in Norfolk. Entertainment will include high-energy native dances, touching poetry readings about homelands, a fashion show featuring clothing from around the world, and a parade of flags.
Northeast currently has 50 international students from 19 different countries including Australia, Bahamas, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Colombia, Cote d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Denmark, Ethiopia, France, The Gambia, Ghana, Japan, Kenya, Malawi, Mongolia, Nigeria, South Korea, Vietnam, and Zambia. This does not include many students on campus who have resident status, but are from other countries.
Ted Myers and Melissa Lemke-Elznic are co-advisors of the Northeast International Student Association.
Myers said the format for this year’s show has been modified slightly so those who attend may have more time to interact and ask questions of the students who are presenting. “In place of a full meal, appetizers and samples of foods from different countries will be offered. The show will still have presentations from the students, students in traditional dress, and performances as well.”
“It is our hope that by changing up the format, it will allow for better conversations with the students. We felt it was important that those who come not only enjoy the good food and a show, but also were able to connect and learn from the students, “Myers said. “I often tell the international students that they are ambassadors of their countries and their cultures and that they are not just here to get an education, but they must also teach and share their lives with us as well. I think that as a community we are missing out if we don’t also learn from these students.”
“Our goal this year is small group conversations between our international students and the community,” Lemke-Elznic said. “If you have a question about Africa, for example, that you have always been afraid to ask, now is your chance!”
“Please come join us for an afternoon of presentations, food tasting, student interaction, and cultural displays,” Myers said. “The show is an opportunity to experience the world without ever having to leave your hometown. It’s an experience for the whole family.”
Although each show is unique, programs in past Culture Shows included a gospel choir, an interactive drum circle, Latin American dance, Native American storytelling and hoop dancing, an African play, and song and dance from Central America, Jamaica, the Ivory Coast, and India. A fashion show featuring native dress from Colombia, the Ivory Coast, Nicaragua, Mexico, Malawi, Kenya, Germany, China, and many more cultures has also been featured in past culture shows.
Seating is limited, so guests are asked to purchase their tickets in advance. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students. Advance tickets may be purchased by calling Myers at (402) 844-7270. They may also be purchased from any International Student Association member. Tickets will be available at the door.