Students were invited to sample the cultures of many countries at Around the World in 80 Minutes, hosted by the CSU Center for Campus Engagement, Sept. 4, in the Student Center.
The event reflected the diversity and inclusiveness of Cleveland State University with its large body of international students from a wide range of countries and cultures.
Often far from home, events like this not only help these students feel welcome in the U.S., but they introduce U.S. students to worlds they might never encounter otherwise.
Around the World in 80 Minutes gave all these students the chance to build community. Campus Engagement held the event at the start of the semester to help students make connections with others sooner rather than later.
“It’s a powerful experience going from an outsider who’s trying to fit in to then becoming an insider at an event on campus,” said Jarrett Prat, Senior Director for Campus Engagement.
Prat is passionate about wanting new and current students to have a place where they can belong during their time on campus.
“The ability to be something where students who don’t feel connected and don't know how to make connections can feel pulled into the community."
On the night, students came together to enjoy what they love, and to share it with others.
“It’s a good way to connect with peers and build your own community with different people, races and cultures,” said grad student Alexis McWilliams. McWilliams added that he was having a good time, and trying out all the different foods.
Communities on campus stay alive and grow with each semester as more events like this one happen. In the past four years, many students have attended Around the World in 80 minutes, which has become a staple on the CSU calendar for new students, and the number of attendees keeps growing.
Pratt hopes for an increase in engagement in the future. He hopes to see more graduate and undergraduate students making connections, and he hopes to see every part of CSU enjoying their 80 minutes of cultural immersion.
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