BurgBurst offers a taste of international culture

Photo credit to the author

Photo credit to the author

By Kayla Britt, News Editor

BurgBurst, a celebration of international cultures and foods sponsored by the International Club, took place on Nov. 4 in the College Union Building Ballroom. Attendees could buy “tickets” in the form of wristbands in various colors at CUB tables and register online for five dollars or pay ten dollars at the door. The proceeds were donated to a local non-profit organization.

After an initial meeting with the Director of International Student Services, Brad Lancaster, BurgBurst was divided into multiple committees, which included advertisement, ballroom design, food, budget and performance. The smaller committees encouraged work on specific tasks, which strengthened the students’ focus.

One of the most rewarding outcomes of BurgBurst was not only the event itself, but the relationships and growth that developed throughout the course of planning the event. “I enjoyed seeing the community develop throughout the semester. BurgBurst also gave many first-year international students a sense of belonging and identity,” said Junseo Lee, a junior.

Students, professors and other members of the campus community gathered in the Ballroom for the event. Flags from countries represented at the event were hung around the Ballroom. From 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. attendees could sample food from nine tables, with each table representing a country’s cuisine. Students involved in planning helped prepare the food or made arrangements to order it from local eateries.

At 6 p.m. the entertainment portion of the event began, with two hosts narrating. Students modeled clothes representative of countries, including China, Brazil, Spain and Paraguay. Selections included a singing duet in Chinese, a dance to “Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae),” a duet rap and song to “Nothing on You,” a Spanish song, a Vietnamese song and dance and performances by GASA, Bomb Squad and Vibe.

Overall the event was a huge hit among the audience, who clapped along with the songs and applauded the performances enthusiastically. “What I loved most about Burgburst was the group of people who attended. There were students, professors, administrators and families. It felt like an international community of people who came to have fun and see something new,” said Francesca Nolen, a senior who attended the event.

Author: Web Editor

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