The International Student Fair Is Back!

After a long hiatus, this celebration of ICC’s international students returns.

Recently, Illinois Central College celebrated its diverse student body with its International Student Fair. The celebration, which last took place in 2019 and was halted for a period of five years due to the Covid pandemic, was held at Peoria campus’ Student Center. Currently, there are a little more than 50 international students at ICC originating from 25 countries.

As soon as you entered the Peoria campus, there was a burst of color, aromas and culture. Stalls representing the following countries were placed all around the Student Center: Brazil, China, Colombia, Ecuador, England, Germany, New Zealand, Philippines, Spain and South Korea. Each stall served a traditional dish that represented their country. Dishes ranged from savory to sweet, from snacks to main dishes. There was also a henna station. 

Entry to the event was $3.00, and food tickets were $0.50 each, with a portion of the money to be donated in the form of a scholarship to an international student. Now, who wouldn’t want to help a peer achieve their academic and career goals while also enjoying a plate of paella? 

The event kicked off with a band from the German American Central Society, an organization based in Peoria that focuses on promoting German culture and heritage. After briefly introducing the organization, the band played traditional German music on the alphorns, a several-meter-long wooden horn, originating in the European Alps. Attendees of the event were also invited to try the alphorn when the band finished playing. 

Following the German American Central Society, international students from the Philippines graced the stage in traditional Filipino clothing, led by ICC teacher Pia Gavino. The group demonstrated the different uses of the malong, a traditional Filipino garment. Gavino showed the audience how to use the malong as a skirt, as a dress, as a shopping bag, amongst many others; who knew a single piece of garment could be so versatile? The malong, as indicated by Gavino, is primarily used in the southern Philippines, and its versatility and many uses make it a great garment to be used by both men and women. 

A member of the group was Filipina sophomore Jelly Ann, who came to ICC to better her education and improve her career prospects. She is majoring in Business Administration this semester and is transferring to a four-year university. When asked about the biggest culture shock she experienced when she first got to the U.S., she stated the food portions and how much bigger they are compared to the Philippines. 

While the student center was busy with music and fashion shows, there was also movement happening outside; more specifically, soccer demonstrations from soccer players who are international students. Fun fact! 90% of the women’s and men’s soccer teams are made up of international students, and most of the international students are soccer players, too. Students from all over the world come to play soccer at ICC as an opportunity to play their favorite sport while also improving their skills, further their experience and study in their field of interest. 

Football player and Psychology major Luiza Dos Santos from Brazil discussed why events such as the International Fair are so important. They help promote international students to ICC as well as to the wider Peoria community. Not many community colleges have this amount of international students being part of the student body. The International Fair acknowledges and celebrates their presence while also exposing their cultures to the community. 

“The International Fair creates a sense of community and welcomes the international students. It makes me feel at home,” she said. “ICC was very welcoming from the start, and the soccer team was full of international students, so it felt like the right choice. Being so far away from home was difficult, but I felt welcomed from the very first day, by ICC, the football team and IFI.”

Luiza also said she is transferring to a four-year university and will carry on playing football for a team in New York. 

IFI stands for International Friendships and a national organization whose mission is “to extend life-changing hospitality and friendship to international students out of reverence for Jesus, ” according to the organization’s website. The organization looks to help international students with stress, homesickness and loneliness, so it partners with local churches, volunteers and university and college campuses to ensure international students feel at home. IFI currently operates in 14 states in the U.S.

Jim and Paula Hanes, who are part of the IFI Peoria team, also had a stall at the fair. They said they joined IFI in 2017, after learning that – even though there are approximately one million international students in the U.S. – many don’t get invited to an American home. They also said they have spent plenty of time overseas, so they personally know how scary, exhilarating and exciting living abroad can be. They said they sympathize with international students, so joining IFI Peoria felt like the perfect opportunity to do their part in helping people in the community. 

IFI Peoria helps International Students in a variety of ways. Many international students don’t have transportation, so they offer weekly grocery runs. They also provide opportunities to socialize, which can otherwise be hard for an international student. The Life Group, which is a weekly meeting held at Jim and Paula’s home, is a chance to have a meal, hang out, pray and play games. What was wonderful to hear was that Life Group takes place in Paula’s family home, which has always been open to hosting international people from all walks of life, so they are essentially carrying on the family legacy and tradition. 

It is safe to say the International Fair was a successful and eventful day. ICC teacher and organizer of the International Fair, Debbie Hedemann, highlighted the importance of the International Fair and why celebrations such as these are crucial for growth and for a deeper understanding of the world we live in. That is because events with an international focus provide a chance to broaden your perspective. Whether that is a flag, a dish or a language different from your own, it opens your eyes to different realities from all around the world.

“We want the students at ICC to know about the international students that are their fellow classmates. ICC’s goal is fostering a sense of belonging for everyone,” Hedemann said.