The Naval Postgraduate School’s (NPS) International Executive Committee (IEC) held its annual International Day celebration on the university’s Academic Quad, April 28. The event displayed the diversity and culture of NPS international students and their families, offering food, entertainment and cultural information from 31 different nations around the world.
“International Day is so important because, if you just look around, you will see that this isn’t just a fundraiser, it’s a way for people all over the world to come together and enjoy food, family, friends and fellowship,” said IEC Chair Lt. Cmdr. Jason Hooper. “This gives us a venue to show solidarity between countries that we wouldn’t necessarily have in a normal school environment.”
An estimated 3,000+ visitors from across the Monterey Peninsula came for the celebration, enjoying authentic food prepared by the students and their families, while watching demonstrations of culture through dancing, singing, crafts and more.
“We had very good stuff including bratwurst, sauerkraut and apple strudel, and it all sold out very quickly,” said Christian Wuerger, a German student in NPS’ Department of National Security Affairs. “What makes International Day so great is the variety. It is like traveling all around the world all in one day! You get to try their food and get a bit of their culture as well.”
NPS’ Root Hall breezeway was alive with color for a Saturday afternoon, with booths representing Germany, Mexico, Japan, Peru, Cameroon, Indonesia, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Estonia and Norway, just to name a few.
“This has been a great experience to discover cultures and interact with people from all around the world,” said NPS student from Mali, Nouhoum Sidibe, “It is really inspiring to be able to interact and learn so many new things from people, and it is always a pleasure to participate in the community. IEC helps us do that.”
International Day represents one of the IEC’s few fundraising opportunities of the year. The IEC provides support to NPS’ international students and their families as they adapt to American life and culture while promoting good relations and cultural understanding.
“{The IEC has} given them support for emergency situations, social events for their families and children, along with furniture and amenities for the houses they live in when they come to NPS,” said Hooper. “It is a difficult transition, and this really helps their integration and life as a student at NPS.”