The annual International Student Dinner hosted by the International Student Association (ISA) took place March 6 in the Hamilton Room. The dinner occurs annually, bringing countless cultures together with a combination of cuisine and entertainment.
Every year, the event draws in dozens of international students and diners alike, all hoping to get a taste of diverse food. Dining options include food from countries like Korea and Spain. This year was no different with a line that was out the door with people who pre-ordered their entry tickets to ensure their seat.
One student diner, Ignacio Perez, shared the reasons he signed up for the dinner.
Perez explained how he was excited to have the opportunity to try foods from different places and varieties. Perez also described how he is from Spain and looked forward to trying the Spanish food on the menu.
About 140 students at UW-Whitewater are international students. While that makes up a very small percentage of the total enrollment, ensuring these students feel at home and appreciated is of importance to the UW-W community.
While the food at the dinner may seem like the main reason for its existence, it is truly a gateway to fostering a culture of welcoming and togetherness.
Susan Wildermuth, ISA advisor and speaker at the event, explained that bringing everyone together and building community were key reasons for the annual International Student Dinner.
“This is a celebration and sharing of culture and diversity,” Wildermuth said.
She also emphasized that it can be difficult coming far from home as an international student.
“This is a really nice way to support the students and say we’re glad you’re here. People care about you.” Wildermuth said.
Ensuring this sentiment is known among the entire campus, specifically international students, is the main goal of the ISA, with the dinner being the main event for that. This year was the 44th annual International Student Dinner, with plans to continue the event far in the future.
The ISA is open to anyone, international student or not. With over 100 active members, they are constantly growing.
Dining options from eight different countries brought students with diverse backgrounds together at the International Student Dinner. The combination of multicultural dishes, as well as the countless flags strewn about, gave students the opportunity to celebrate different cultures.
