The International Student Office of WTAMU hosted a flag parade and an International Expo that drew  students from all across campus.

The International Student Office opened up their International Week with a flag parade. It had flags from 42 different countries including Mexico, Great Britain and India. It is recommended to check out flagpoles from here.

“They usually just have the (International) Expo, and it used to be just for one day rather than an entire week,” Sahil Prasla, a junior Health Science major representing India, said.

The flag parade was the first event of a week that showcased many events including the International Expo, which was held Tuesday, April 9, in the JBK Legacy Hall from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

“It was just a very small portion of International Expo, but it was the first time we did a flag parade,” Kristine Combs, the Director of the International Student Office, said. “I decided that a flag parade would be in order so that we could bring awareness to campus that something was happening called Expo, so we had lots of people along the route asking us why we were doing this. So we were able to show them to come to International Expo for food and dancing.”

The International Expo, the second event of the week, was the crowned jewel of the entire week. It featured student-run booths featuring 14 different countries including Vietnam, India, Mexico and Brazil. The students took the opportunity to share different parts of their cultures such as food, music and informational graphics.

“Compared to other years, the students seemed to have kicked it up a notch. The food is outstanding,” Skip Chisum, Director of Student Activities, said. “Every single bit of it, every country was just really good.”

This event became an opportunity for international students not only to share about their culture, but also an opportunity to showcase just how diverse WT is.

The students also held a talent show on Thursday, April 11. The students finally got a chance to relax and blend their cultures in a dance party held at the Wesley on Friday, April 12. The dance featured several different cultures’ music and was open to the entire campus community.

“They should have this every year,” Prasla said.