INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL SET

The world's cultures will be showcased at Southeast Missouri State University's weeklong International Festival.

The week begins Sunday with the International Carnival scheduled for 4 to 7 p.m. in the University Center lobby.

It will feature displays, food and entertainment provided by Southeast's international students.

"The international students do this to share a bit of themselves and their home cultures with the people of our area," said George Dordoni, director of international student and scholar services at Southeast.

The slate of entertainment includes guitar and vocal music from Japan and Taiwan, a demonstration of kung fu and tai chi chuan, a selection of Indian sitar music and a fashion show.

Also on tap is Acirema, a skit-simulation involving the audience and showing what it feels like for international students to get accepted to a U.S. college and apply for a visa.

Each day of the week a different region of the world will be recognized.

Southeast has 203 international students from 38 different countries.

"It depends on how you count them," Dordoni said. "Some students can rightfully claim more than one country, or follow the practices of a cultural heritage different than the country in which they are residents,"

The goal of the carnival and the festival is to promote understanding of different cultures.

"It is really best when the event turns into a chance for people to make friends and get to know each other better," he said.

All of the International Festival events are free and open to the public.

Children are welcome and families are encouraged to attend, Dordoni said.