The sixth annual International Festival, a celebration of the countries and cultures represented in the UMass Medical School community, will take place on Friday, May 13, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Medical School lobbies. The festival provides employees and students with the opportunity to learn more about the cultures that bring diversity to the campus through student and faculty exhibits, entertainment and food.
The International Committee, which sponsors the event, works to support a welcoming and inclusive environment for international students and scholars. The committee, in collaboration with Immigration Services (formerly ISSO) Office of Human Resources, works to assure a seamless transition into Massachusetts and UMMS.
Flags representing 64 nations of the UMMS international community will be displayed in the lobbies of the Medical School. Vendors will be offering a variety of crafts from Native America, South East Asia, Thailand, Ghana, Burma, Zimbabwe, Bali, Peru, Mexico, Uganda, Egypt and more.
There will be continuous entertainment during the event, including Buchechum (Fan Dance), a Korean folk dance known for its colorful costumes and creative moves, which will be presented between 12 and 1 p.m.
Food samples will be available from two local establishments representing Korea and Italy (Sapporo Korean Barbecue and Sushi, and Leo’s Ristorante). For more information, contact Nellie Toney:nellie.toney@umassmed.edu.
