San Diego State, known for its cultural diversity and attentiveness to student needs, is creating a place for interaction and communication between students from many different countries at next week’s International Peace Village, through the efforts of the International Student Association.
The annual event is scheduled to take place next Wednesday. It will be located on the north side of the Love Library. The event will begin at noon with a 30-minute martial arts performance and will conclude at 1 p.m.
Luisa Orticelli is the program coordinator of the International Student Center and the adviser for the International Peace Village.
“The event is a cultural display of 50 booths that will represent either an international organization on campus or a particular country,” Orticelli said.
She said the event will contain cultural performances, with the intent to increase awareness, communication and understanding of other countries outside the U.S.
According to its website, the International Student Center “advances San Diego State as a global learning community by serving as a crossroads for students from around the world seeking educational opportunities at SDSU, and for SDSU students seeking educational opportunities in other countries.”
Ashley Pakozdi, president of the ISA, said she is excited about the event’s turnout.
“This is the signature event of the year for the International Student Association,” Pakozdi said. “Because the event is in a highly trafficked area of campus this year, we are expecting a much larger turnout than previous years.”
The event has previously been held in Montezuma Hall, but construction of the new Aztec Center has moved the event to the north walkway outside of Love Library, which is heavily populated by students at the time of day the event will be held.
“This is part of the International Education Week, which is an international event that starts on Nov. 14 and continues through Nov. 18.” Orticelli said. “It is one of many events that are happening around the world in the next few weeks that emphasize educating people about other countries and cultures.”
Carolina Monteiro, vice president of the ISA, said she hopes “everyone will have a good time and people will learn something new about other cultures.” She is sure the event will help integrate international students with American students, and will allow them to create friendships and learn about new cultures.
The ISA website states the International Peace Village is “an opportunity for international students to share their traditions with the SDSU and San Diego community, and that the event attracts over 1,000 participants, including school children and community leaders.”
“This event will spread the mission statement of the International Student Center because we will be able to share accurate information about other countries and cultures to SDSU students and community members,” Monteiro said.
