The International Students Association (ISA) presents Ethnos every year, nudging students to experience the unique culture found at home. Traveling isn’t necessary to gain cultural enrichment and understanding.
Ethnos is “an opportunity for international students to display their culture and share it with American students” said Adrian Patenaude, ISA Historian.
Preparations for Ethnos are beginning this week, however the event is scheduled for November 9-10 at 7:30 p.m. in Cullen Auditorium. Tickets will only be sold online.
There are 13 acts trying out for Ethnos this year, and more than 200 students involved in the overall production. The groups involved include Shades, Omega Dance Company, Sanctify and Swing Cats. ISA welcomes all to the event, including people in the larger Abilene area.
“They can be from Abilene and have never met a person from a different culture” said Patenaude, a junior Ad/PR major from Thailand.
This year’s title is “Ethnos Culture Shock,” appropriately portraying the bond between international and American students and how they come together in one town and one place for one purpose, but also come from diverse backgrounds. Ethnos strives to merge and blend the lines between various cultures and eliminate skepticism.
ISA is adamant about sharing their unique cultural backgrounds. Not only do they want to share culture, but they also want to empower students and the people of Abilene to be a part of it.
ISA wants to see their organization grow and welcomes all to join said Jeremy Foo, president of ISA.
“Last year we had an International Pancake Night where we had 5 countries make their version of the pancake and serve it! And yes, America was represented!” said Foo, a senior Ad/PR and political science major from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Throughout the semester ISA will host cultural mixers where students can take part in different games and eat unique foods from around the world. ISA holds Chapel every Thursday in the Mabee Business Building, room 201. You can also visit their Facebook at facebook.com/isaculture and follow them on Twitter for more information at twitter.com/isaculture.
