International Night is taking place on Friday March 10. It is an annual organized by the International Student Organization (ISO) in which international students are able toshare their culture through music, art, dance and performances. The event features a flag walk at in which, according to the ISO, “students from diverse backgrounds can express pride in their respective countries through traditional clothes, and languages.” According to Alfredo Baca ’26, an international student from Mexico who is also a volunteer for this event, International Night is an opportunity to share culture with the community of St. Olaf.
Even though there are amazing resources on campus for international students, such as the Taylor Center, there is a division between those spaces and the St. Olaf community — International Night is a way to bring everyone together. Jimmy Leung ’26, an international student from Hong Kong and performer at International Night, stated that the night provides a sense of belonging and community that allows international students to feel at home. Moreover, he thinks not only international students should participate but also domestic ones.
According to Leung, it is important for people, and especially domestic students, to attend since this is an opportunity to expand their world view and allow them to be exposed to new forms of artistic expression. Plus, there’s going to be boba.
The new Associate Director for International Programming, Brisa Zubia, considers International Night to be a great opportunity to get a glimpse into the diversity and richness that the International community brings to campus. Zubia believes that this event is a great chance to see the coming together of different cultures in a way that does not occur in any other programs at the college.
Overall, it is going to be a fun night full of art, dance, music, performance, and boba, that will offer a spotlight to the International community on campus, many of whom are eager to share their culture. From K-Pop dances to traditional Latin music, come check out International Night this Friday at the Pause Main Stage at 6:30 pm. (and remember to get your ticket).
