The Florida State University Center for Global Engagement hosted its 31st Annual International Bazaar on February 14, drawing about 900 people to the Student Union Ballrooms. The event featured music, food, and cultural traditions from across the world.
The International Bazaar is a free event that allows student groups to share their heritage and gives students, staff, faculty, and members of the Tallahassee community a chance to learn about global traditions. With more than 2,500 international students and scholars from 120 countries at FSU, this year’s bazaar highlighted the university’s diverse community.
Chandler Gadea-Guidicelli, assistant director of Communications and Programs at the Center for Global Engagement (CGE), said: “The International Bazaar reflects the incredible range of cultures present at Florida State University and within the greater Tallahassee community. It creates space for domestic students and community members to engage with cultures from around the world, fostering meaningful understanding and connections that extend beyond campus.”
The program included performances by various student organizations such as SeoulaSystem (K-Pop dance), The Belly Dancers at Florida State, Indian Student Association of Tallahassee (INSAT) with a focus on “Mythologies of India,” live music by SG Ensemble from the College of Music, Flamenco Tallahassee, Indak (Filipino Student Association dance troupe), and Tallahassee Capoeira.
Twenty groups had interactive tables displaying cultural information. These groups included Registered Student Organizations; fraternities and sororities from the Multicultural Greek Council; academic departments; centers; and international groups based in Tallahassee.
Ramisa Anjum, an undergraduate studying mechanical engineering at FAMU-FSU College of Engineering who represented the Bangladeshi Student Association, said: “I kind of want to give everyone an immersive experience here to see what our culture is like and basically have fun and be part of the community.”
A kids’ corner offered activities for children. Attendees sampled snacks such as vegetable dumplings, tamales de elote, pistachio baklava, mango juice, and hibiscus tea.
While this bazaar is CGE’s main annual intercultural event, it also organizes other programs throughout the year like International Coffee Hour and Global Café. The CGE works with academic departments and student organizations to foster interaction between domestic and international students.
More information about these events can be found at cge.fsu.edu or about FSU’s global initiatives at global.fsu.edu.
