Author / The Collegian
Every fall semester the Association for the Promotion of International Culture (APIC) at Fresno State hosts International Culture Night.
APIC is an on-campus student organization of the International Student Services Program.
International Culture Night gives international students the opportunity to share their cultures with both Fresno State students and the surrounding community.
This year’s event will be held on Nov. 13 at the Student Satellite Union. President of the student committee Arrol Tiw said he hopes to see a large number of attendees.
“I want more Fresno State students to attend and members of the community as well,” Tiw said.
Tiw said international students are usually the vast majority of the guests who attend this event.
The purpose of the international event is to educate people and bring light to the different cultures on and around campus.
“A lot of times Fresno can be centered on its local community,” Paul Yunouye, staff adviser for the event, said. “I think that it is important for people to realize that Fresno attracts people from across the world.”
Yunouye said this event is important because we have people from all over the world right here on campus.
There will be about 15 different international performances this year.
Students are going to share their cultures through dancing or singing as well as put on a fashion show.
Auditions for the event were held on Oct. 16. Participants usually range from eight to 10 different cultures.
“This year we were fortunate to get more applicants,” vice president of the committee Cody Soejima said. “A lot more cultures are making an effort to be apart of this event.”
Soejima said he encourages students to participate and even help as volunteers.
“Every year we have the same performances,” Tiw said. “This year we have more groups.”
International Culture Night is an all-student coordinated event. Students produce the show, manage the performances, promote and find financing for the event.
“I’m looking forward to the event going smoothly,” Tiw added.
He is expecting around 800 to 1000 guests this year.