 | | | The students of the SMC International Club. Photo Sophie Braccini
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Feel like taking a trip around the world on your lunch break? If so, Saint Mary's College is your first stop on Wednesday, Oct 27th. Get to know 20 different countries; sample the foods, enjoy the art and music, and meet the natives - all for free from 11:30-2:00 at the Global Faire in the Ferroggiaro Quad.
An SMC tradition for over 20 years, the Global Faire is organized and staffed by SMC's International Students Club. Proving that SMC is not just a place for Americans and Aussies, most of the Club's 40 or so members come from across the globe - from Asia, Europe, the Middle East, South America and South Africa. "This is an annual opportunity for our students to celebrate their heritage and culture, as well as educate others through the promotion of understanding and unity," says Keith Annis, International Student Coordinator for the Center for International Programs at SMC.
"We want to show others what our countries are about, beyond stereotypes," explains Batsaikhan Purevbaatar, an SMC student from Mongolia. Visitors to Purevabaatar's table at the Faire will find him dressed in Mongolian attire and serving up Mongolian food.
Some of the Club's members are US-born but have an interest in discovering other cultures. "I had little exposure and no involvement with non-Americans growing up," said Joe Murphy, an SMC student from Arizona, "I am a member of the club and part of the organizing team because I'm interested in learning and reaching out to different cultures."
The Modern Language and Anthropology departments will also tables at the Faire, as will other international clubs such as the Middle Eastern Club and Hermanas Unidas. Music from all over the world will be played and the Women's Resource Center will dance "Rhythm of Change" at around 1:00 p.m. The fair trade non-profit, "Just Hearts" will offer international artifacts for sale.
"We are an example of what you get when people from different countries can actually meet and get to know each other," says SMC student Zu Goh, who is from Hong Kong, "we are our own little version of the United Nations; we talk, we listen, we exchange, and want one day to be active in building a more peaceful world."
To reach the Ferroggiaro Quad, park in the visitor parking found to your right as you enter the campus, then walk straight toward the center of the college, past the library.
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Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA