As the Robert Morris University student body entered the PNC Cafe to get their dinner, they were greeted with a multicultural celebration. The Center for Global Engagement (CGE) hosted their Global Karneval for all to enjoy.

The Center for Global Engagements’ Tabitha Slater described the joy this event brings to the organization.

“I love this event because it’s always fun to see all of our students come together from all of the different countries that they’re from and show off their culture.”

The festivities began with meals from around the world for all students to enjoy. Each area had different dishes from many countries. Meals included dumplings from China, chicken bulgogi from Korea, schnitzels Germany, and much more. At each station, on the display, it told students how many international students at Robert Morris University come from that country.

Chef Dan spoke about preparing the dishes for the student and how enjoyable it was for him.

“It’s very fun to experiment with different spices and different flavors,” Chef Dan said. “We got to pick and choose from about 100 recipes and chose what we think the students will enjoy.”

One thing that comes with new food is getting the students to try the food. Chef Dan provided his words of encouragement for students to push their comfort zones.

“Don’t be afraid to try different food. Robert Morris students, in my eyes, are very picky,” Chef Dan said. “They’re very meat and potatoes, so don’t be afraid to try different things.”

With students enjoying the international dishes, the show started with a fashion show. Many Robert Morris international students wore their traditional garbs, displaying the fashion from their home country.

One member showing off his native wardrobe was international student Talal Baqazi. Baqazi, who is from Saudi Arabia, spoke about having the opportunity to display his native attire.

“One of our goal is to show others Saudi culture and when we get the opportunity to do that we take it,” Baqazi said. “Today we are hoping show the students our cloths, our food, and other things if we get the chance.”

Once the fashion show ended two haula performers came out and performed for the crowd. Following their dance they brought up students who wanted to learn how to hula.

Even for international students like Baqazi the event was a place to learn.

“This is actually my first time being here and I like it,” Baqazi said. “I got to see other cultures like Indian culture and see the dance, I really liked that.”

During the jamboree many international student were happy to bring a part of their home country to the United States. This made many of them feel at home. Mahidmar is President of the Indian Student Club and described his feelings on the evening.

“It’s been an amazing evening. It’s been one year since I visited my home, but coming here it feels like I’m back at my home,” Mahidhar said. “I feel like it’s awesome here, but the main thing is I’d miss my home country as well. I miss my brother, parents, and friends. But coming here I get new opportunities to meet new friends, and being apart of the education system it’s awesome to be here.”

Madhidar would take stage and perform a dance with a fellow international student. Following his dance it was time for the Robert Morris student to learn to salsa to close out the night.

When Mahidhar was asked if he wanted to share anymore thoughts on the night he had this to say.

“I’m just living (in) the moment right now.”

As the festivities came to an end and the crowd rolled out, Slater shared her thoughts on the night.

“I just love international student in general,” Slater said. “I think they bring a lot to our campus and help our students learn more about places they may never get to go to in the world, so it’s exciting they get to interact with that culture.”

The Center for Global Engagement put on a show and created the environment where individuals differences were embraced.

To hear about more events hosted by the Center for Global Engagement, visit revolution.rmu.edu.