The Florida State University Center for Global Engagement’s 31st Annual International Bazaar drew approximately 900 attendees to the Student Union Ballrooms Saturday, Feb. 14, for a vibrant showcase of music, flavors and traditions from around the globe.
The International Bazaar is a free event that allows campus groups to share their history and heritage while giving students, staff, faculty and Tallahassee community members the opportunity to learn about other traditions from around the world. With over 2,500 international students and scholars on campus from 120 countries, this year’s International Bazaar highlighted the rich global community at FSU.
“The International Bazaar reflects the incredible range of cultures present at Florida State University and within the greater Tallahassee community,” said Chandler Gadea-Guidicelli, assistant director of Communications and Programs at the CGE. “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.”
Attendees enjoyed a variety of international music and dance performances as well as cultural table displays from student organizations. Performances ranged from choreography by K-Pop dance group SeoulaSystem to a showcase by The Belly Dancers at Florida State and a production by the Indian Student Association of Tallahassee (INSAT) focusing on the “Mythologies of India.”
Other performances included live music by the SG Ensemble from the College of Music, a flamenco show by Flamenco Tallahassee, choreography by Indak, the Filipino Student Association’s traditional dance troupe, and a showcase by Tallahassee Capoeira.
In addition to music and performances throughout the afternoon, 20 groups and organizations had their own interactive tables on display across the venue. These included Registered Student Organizations, fraternities and sororities from the Multicultural Greek Council, academic departments and centers, and Tallahassee-based international groups.
Ramisa Anjum, an undergraduate student pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering from the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, was at the event representing the Bangladeshi Student Association. As an international student from Bangladesh, a South Asian country situated to the east of India on the Bay of Bengal, Anjum enjoyed having the opportunity to share her culture with others while learning about other traditions from around the world.
“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,” she said.
There was also a kids’ corner with a variety of activities, and a sampling of international snacks and drinks including vegetable dumplings, tamales de elote, pistachio baklava and mango juice or hibiscus tea.
While the International Bazaar serves as its flagship annual intercultural event, the CGE coordinates events and programs throughout the year to help develop a culturally enriching learning environment at FSU. From International Coffee Hour and Global Café to the Engage Your World Speaker Series and a variety of other programs in collaboration with academic departments and student organizations, the CGE serves as the campus hub for international activity
The CGE is key to providing learning experiences for FSU students and promoting interaction between domestic and international students.
For more information about CGE and the International Bazaar, visit cge.fsu.edu. To learn more about FSU’s global footprint, visit global.fsu.edu.