CARNIVAL FEATURES INTERNATIONAL FOODS, CULTURE FOUND ON CAMPUS

Ira King got a taste of the world Sunday.

"The food is good," King said after sampling international dishes during the International Carnival.

Ira, his sister, Katy and parents, Bill and Julie King of Jackson traveled around the world Sunday at the carnival on the Southeast Missouri State University campus.

The carnival was the kick-off celebration for the weeklong International Festival, which concludes Saturday.

The university enrolls 203 students from more than 30 countries. The purpose of the carnival is to allow the international students to share a bit of themselves and their home cultures with area residents.

A popular display at the carnival was a booth representing the People's Republic of China. Children were skillfully guided while writing their name in Chinese letters.

A wide range of items including clothing, money, decorative pieces, stationery and toys were on display throughout the fair.

Guests were invited to sample authentic foods such as German dumplings with vanilla sauce, rice from Pakistan, a mashed vegetable mixture of corn, beans and spinach from Kenya and chocolate-chip cookies from the Americas.

Dutch Student Margaret Hyams displayed clothing from her home of Maastricht, a beautiful old city founded by the Romans. This was Hyams last year to participate in the festival since she graduates in May with a degree in geography. Hyams will finish an internship with the city's Division of Planning Services but hasn't decided where to go after that.

Emud Aziz from Pakistan displayed the lightweight unisex clothing of his homeland. Also offered were recipes of authentic dishes.

Ken Zhong, a second semester chemistry student from China, explained the story associated with a painting of a tiger done by his mother.

"The tiger runs fast and hard and my mother wants me to study like a tiger," said Zhong.

Adjusting to new surroundings didn't seem difficult for most of the students. They all agreed the major problem was the language, especially the slang.

Denise Lincoln, Culture Junction coordinator, explained the services offered by the program, sponsored by the Baptist Student Union. Culture Junction is a weekly gathering of people interested in cross-cultural friendships.

"We want people to learn about other cultures," said Lincoln.

Shu-Ju Lulu Chuang entertained guests with Taiwanese vocal music. Demonstrations of Kung Fu and Tai Chi Chuan, a selection of light classical Indian music on sitar, an international fashion show and an audience participation skit rounded out the day's festivities.

The Kings hoped to be able to return to some of the festivities later in the week.

"Our son Ira was born in Germany when my husband was stationed there in the army," said Julie King. That was one of the reasons she and her husband brought their children to the carnival.

King's involvement with foreign cultures dates back to her childhood in Hannibal. "My mother was a teacher and I can remember having Japanese teachers come to our house and stay," she said.

Each day of the week during the festival will be devoted to a different country. Monday is Africa and Middle East day; Tuesday is Asia and Oceania day; Wednesday highlights the United States diversity; Thursday emphasizes the Americas; and Friday features Europe and the Mediterranean.

For more information about International Week, contact the office of international pro

(grams at 986-6863.)