April 6, 2010
Contact:
Elizabeth Klipp, 404-413-1356
University Relations
ATLANTA - Georgia State University will celebrate its rich diversity this week with the International Spring Festival.
Hosted by the International Student Association Council, which contains multiple cultural organizations run by GSU students, the festival's theme is, "One World: United Together." All events are free and open to the public.
GSU students and employees, as well as the general public, are invited to participate in a Parade of Flags and learn about each country represented at GSU. The parade will start at 12:15 p.m. on April 6 in the Map Room, located in 248 Sparks Hall, and end at 1 p.m. in the West Exhibit Are of Urban Life, after making its way through campus. GSU's Urban Life Building is located at the corner of Gilmer St. and Piedmont Ave.
Other festival events include an International Fashion Show, showcasing African clothing, dancing, music and food at 7 p.m. on April 7 in the ballroom of the GSU Student Center Ballroom, located at 44 Courtland St.; and a marketplace with food from different regions of the world from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. on April 8 in the West Exhibit Area of Urban Life.
Also on April 8, international students can get help identifying employers at a job search seminar at 2 p.m. in the Student University Center, suite 245. The day's events will end with a Salsa Night, a chance to learn the basics of this Latin dance, from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. in Alumni Hall, 30 Courtland St.
The International Spring Festival will wrap up with the Team Relay for Life over the weekend in the Sports Arena, 125 Decatur St. The Relay for Life is a community service event that will include fun activities with many Georgia State student organizations, including the International Student Association Councils. The overnight event starts at 7 p.m. on April 9 and continues to 7 p.m. on April 10. Participants are encouraged to bring sleeping bags.
In total, 3,604 international students - including students on visas, green cards and refugees - attend Georgia State, making up almost 12 percent of the university's student body and representing more than 160 countries.
"International students and scholars bring a unique perspective to our campus and its classrooms, broadening the world view of domestic students and enhancing the college experience," said Heather Housley, GSU director of International Student & Scholar Services.