INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS SHARE FLAVORS OF HOME AT FESTIVAL

Olivie? Zaziki? Klompens?

American students may have come to the first day of the week-long International Festival '97 Sunday not knowing what these items from other countries are, but they didn't leave that way.

Olivie is a Russian salad with potatoes. Zaziki is a Greek yogurt with cucumbers and garlic. And Klompens are those pointy wooden shoes that women wear in the Netherlands when they are working on their farms.

International students attending Southeast Missouri State University shared a taste of their homeland with Americans Sunday during the first day of the festivities.

"So many students bring an international flavor to their community," said Elena Novikova, a 21-year-old graduate student from Russia. "It's nice to show U.S. students a little something different."

The first day of the festival -- called the International Carnival -- was held at the Student Recreation Center in the Show Me Center. Foreign food, photos, money, international dress and a vast array of items were featured at exhibits representing nearly 30 different countries.

"Each year, international students like to share something from their countries," said George Dordoni, the assistant director of the Campus Assistance Center and an event organizer.

"These students are here in America learning about American culture and they think it's nice to return the favor," Dordoni said. "It gives a visual and personal connection from the American students to the international students."

Provost Dr. Charles Kupchella said that events like this one really benefit students and the educational process, especially at a campus like Southeast's.

"Our students can't get any further from a border than here," Kupchella said. "These students bringing their culture here is very wonderful."

Students of all ethnic backgrounds got to watch a Malaysian Lion Dance and the national dance of Panama, called "El Punto." This was followed by the dedication of 50 flags from different countries.

And those attending seemed to enjoy themselves immensely, from the moment they were greeted at the door by a men in Soviet and German uniforms to the minute they left.

"It's an eye-opening experience," said Mustafa Stokely, a student from Turkey.

American student James Oermann, 22, said that he attended the event because he is eager to learn more about other countries from people who know first-hand.

"It's real important that this is going on," he said. "It gives the student body a chance to know about all the cultures of the different students."

The event coincides with the week of celebration for the inauguration of Dr. Dale Nitzschke, who was also present Sunday.

"The event provide's ample evidence of the high quality of the international student contingent on campus," Nitzschke said. "It's all about the mingling of international students with American students."

The festival will continue today with Europe Day and will be followed on Tuesday with Asia Day, Wednesday with Africa Day and Friday with Latin America Day and North America Day.

On Thursday, the international students will participate in the inaugural international flag procession by marching with the flags of their home countries at the Show Me Center.