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Culturefest: a celebration of countries and
cultures
University of Maine
Promising Approaches
- (7) Encourage
and support interactions across cultural differences.
- (4) Encourage
and support activities and student and community organizations that provide
opportunities for students to be engaged in their campuses and communities.
Overview
Culturefest is an annual event at The University of Maine sponsored by the Office
of International Programs and the International Student Association. The event is held on a Saturday in the Fall, on the University
of Maine campus. It draws 800-1000 community and university
attendees. In a post 9/11 world, the
opportunity to meet people from other countries, to learn about their beliefs
and cultures, and to promote cross-cultural understanding is more important
than ever.
Culturefest provides a day of information tables created by groups of
international students. Students use
posters, videos, music, artifacts from home, and other educational items to
teach about their countries and cultures. Other students cook traditional dishes for people to sample. This is one of the most popular aspects of
the day since the opportunity to sample ethnic foods is limited in northern Maine. One exhibit was a Bedouin tent, with rugs and
samovar ready to welcome visitors.
There is
also an area for children’s activities. School-age children get “passports” and participate in a group of
activities from various countries. Activities include learning songs and dances, writing their names in
Chinese are Arabic, and learning children’s games from other countries. Their passports are stamped to indicate which
countries they have visited through their activities.
The
afternoon is devoted to a talent show and style show. Students sing, dance and play musical instruments
representing other cultures. Such
performances include American square dancing, Native American drumming, and
hip-hop as well as international musical performances. The style show highlights traditional
costumes, for both daily life and celebrations such as weddings.
Culturefest, one of the events in our annual “International Week,” brings much
needed diversity to the University
of Maine. With over 400 students and scholars from 75
countries, the day teaches visitors about many countries, cultures and walks of
life. It provides an opportunity for new
contacts among students and attendees. Many retired Foreign Service people attend to meet students from
countries where they lived and worked. Exchange students from local high schools meet compatriots, and
international students from other University
of Maine System
institutions and other local colleges get to meet. Finally, returned study abroad students enjoy
participating in their host country events.
Special Features
Civic Learning Goals
- Civic knowledge: Understanding and awareness of diverse cultures and countries that make up the community in which we
live; understanding how America interacts with other countries; understanding
America’s place in the world, and valuing our unique higher education system.
- Civic Skills: Working cooperatively for effective team building practices; using public
speaking; critical thinking, and active listening to achieve group goals;
pursuing an array of cultural, societal, political and religious interests and
beliefs.
- Civic Values/Attitudes: Willingness to enter
dialogue with others about different points of view and to understand diverse
perspectives; recognition of different American and international backgrounds;
respect for the individual and group identities.
Contact Information
Karen Boucias, Director
Office of International Programs
5782 Winslow Hall, Room 100
The University of Maine
Orono, ME 04469
207-581-3433
Boucias@maine.edu
