The city of Charlotte has a rich, cultural heritage, and its ethnic communities continue to flourish. For more than 40 years, UNC Charlotte has celebrated its global population through its International Festival. Its core message – all are welcome here.
“UNC Charlotte’s annual International Festival is about our students and the greater Charlotte community coming together to share their cultures,” said Joël Gallegos, assistant provost for international programs. “This celebration of ethnic diversity at UNC Charlotte is at the heart of what the festival represents. We enroll nearly 2,000 international students here at UNC Charlotte, and we want all prospective international students who are considering matriculating in the United States to know that UNC Charlotte is a welcoming, inviting institution.”
The 2018 International Festival, now in its 43rd year, is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 29, in and around the Barnhardt Student Activity Center. The festival is UNC Charlotte’s longest-running cultural event, and historically, it brings thousands to campus.
Festival attendees should plan to spend several hours, or the entire day, wandering through tents of brightly colored displays; conversing with participants who are representing their countries and cultures; tasting authentic cuisine from around the world; and soaking up the atmosphere of song, dance and story. Organizers expect more than 50 countries will be represented at the family-friendly festival, offering activities such as a magic show and face painting designed especially for children.
In addition to the classical offerings, the International Festival will feature an international games zone for attendees of all ages to participate in and learn about the cultural significance of various contests. Participants can learn the rules of bocce, play a game of life-sized chess or join in a soccer match.
UNC Charlotte is among a number of higher education institutions in the United States participating in the social media awareness campaign #YouAreWelcomeHere; the effort is designed to affirm that participating institutions are diverse, friendly, safe and committed to student development.
The Office of International Programs coordinates the annual International Festival, with sponsorship from a number of campus partners and the support of many student volunteers. Admission and parking are free; the International Festival will be held rain or shine. More information is online.