The International Student Association is a group at Creighton University devoted to celebrating and learning about the different cultures around the world, especially those of Creighton’s student body.
The mission of the International Student Association is “To celebrate the diversity and to promote the rich heritage of the people of [the] international world at Creighton University,” said Santiago Franco-Quirogo, a junior business student and the President of the International Student Association.
The association has members from places as far away as China and from as close as here in Omaha, Neb. According to Arts & Sciences sophomore Agrini Boken, the International Student Association’s VP for Administrative Affairs, all International students are automatically members and American students are also welcome to join. The club is open to all students no matter what their heritage, and members share their cultures with each other.
“We are opening up our cultures to other cultures and kind of mixing them, “ said Boken.
This sharing of cultures occurs at the International Student Association’s meetings and events. Meetings are held approximately once a month according to Daniela Morales, a business senior and Vice President of the International Student Association.
Asmita Paudyal, the VP of finance for the International Student Association and Arts & Sciences sophomore, said that different members present on their countries each meeting. Members learn about different cultures, reflect on their own cultures and often times have fun playing different games and icebreakers.
In addition to holding meetings, the International Student Association also puts on several different events throughout the school year to promote the mixing and sharing of cultures. This school year, the International Student Association hosted a salsa-dancing event and the International Student Association banquet. The group is also planning a soccer tournament for this spring.
According to Paudyal, Morales, and Boken, the International Student Association banquet is the largest event they put on. The banquet consists of a fashion show highlighting the different styles of countries around the world, special performances of students from different countries and continents, and most importantly, different cultural food. This year, the banquet was held on Feb. 16 and signified the group’s 25th annual banquet. The mayor of Omaha even attended and gave a speech at the event.
While a lot of work goes into the organizing of the events, the main goal of the members is to have a good time while developing friendships and recognizing different cultures.
Members come from many different cultures and backgrounds, but through the International Student Association and enrollment in Creighton University, students have found similarities and have grown lasting relationships.
“I feel like I am at home whenever we all get together because even though we are coming from different countries, we are living and sharing the same experience,” said Franco-Quirogo.
The International Student Association always welcomes new members and encourages interested students to join.
To become involved in the International Student Association, contact [email protected], [email protected], or [email protected]. Or visit with the International Student Association at the next involvement fair.