Saahiti Chamala/ Fourth Estate
Office of International Programs and Services presents opportunity to explore South Asian culture and history
BY PHILLIP KIM, STAFF WRITER
On Oct. 23, Mason students gathered at the Johnson Center Bistro for an opportunity to learn about the cultures of South Asia.
The Office of International Programs and Services (OIPS) hosted the South Asia edition of the International Cafe from 1 to 3 p.m., featuring booths representing Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
“Each semester, we host International Cafes about three times,” Yali Pan, associate director for engagement and assessment at OIPS, said. “Each time, we are at capacity. We are amazed by the energy, commitment, and excitement that everybody brings into this space. We want this space to be fun, as you can see with the snacks and drinks and, also, music.”
A line formed in front of the venue long before the event began. Once the doors opened, each student checked in at reception where they received a stamp coupon. Attendees then visited the booths, trying snacks and collecting stamps.
“I think people love the idea because you can be yourself and you don’t have to feel the pressure to engage,” Pan said. “You are engaging, but you don’t have to feel uncomfortable. I think the idea is for people to bring their cultural heritage and authentic selves into this space.”
While the university hosts the event, the booths and snack bars are prepared by student volunteers. Officers of the Bengali Patriots Association, including freshman Mawardy Rahman, sophomore Amartya Shome, and freshman Ramla Chowdhury, dedicated their time and effort to prepare the Bangladesh table.
“I really wanted people to walk away with a taste of Bengali flavors and some fun memories,” Rahman said. “Setting up was a mix of ‘Will this look good?’ and ‘Did we bring enough snacks?’ The challenge was making our table scream ‘Bengali culture’ in the best way possible.”
Saahiti Chamala/ Fourth Estate
The Bengali group was especially thrilled to see people appreciate their crackers.
“One group couldn’t get enough of the mango bars. Watching them come back for more with huge smiles was probably my favorite part,” Rahman recalled. “If you missed the food, you’ve got to try Mr. Twist or Potato Crackers someday. It’s basically Bengali snacking royalty.”
The event was not limited to cultural learning. In one corner, there was an information desk about overseas internship opportunities. Career Services encouraged attendees to follow in the footsteps of over 101 Mason students across 33 majors who took up internships last year, earning both Mason credits and valuable experience.
“We have a table set up here where students can find out about opportunities. There’s genuine interest from students” said Stas Miachkov, Global Internship Programs manager at Global Education Office. “Our office has over $200,000 in internal scholarship funds available for which our students can apply and there are also external scholarships that students can apply for.”
Students of diverse backgrounds attended the International Cafe. Junior Chimdinma Okafor was happy with her decision to attend the event.
“I’ve been trying to get more involved on campus and find different things, and I like learning more about different cultures,” Okafor said. “It’s pretty interesting. I like all of this.”
Saahiti Chamala/ Fourth Estate
Freshman Joshua Chen picked India as his favorite booth when asked.
“[I like] their culture, their food, their spirit,” Chen said.
Pan expressed pride in everyone who contributed to making the event a success and encouraged more members of the Mason community to try attending International Cafes in the future. “I just hope that more community members–faculty, staff, and students– will come to enjoy this event and get to know more about one another.”
As Mason continues to grow as a diverse institution, events like the International Cafe may provide a welcoming space for students to embrace the different cultures and build connections, allowing everyone to feel at home.
