Global Expo: Experiencing cultures and customs from around the world

Cody Anderson

The Signal Staff

An abundance of good food, dancing, fun and games all have one thing in common here at the University of Houston-Clear Lake — the Intercultural and International Student Services held its annual Global Expo Nov. 16 showcasing international and cultural diversity.

As many as 28 booths specific to various cultures and countries lined Atrium II in the Bayou building. These representations included booths dedicated to specific countries and many walks of life.

“Global Expo is an opportunity for not only the UHCL community to learn about other countries, cultures, traditions and the diversity around the world, but for the world to also learn about us,” said Linda Bullock, assistant dean of student diversity. “Our mission is to educate about the global society that we live in.”

Spectators ranging from students, faculty, family and friends were encouraged to explore the event by visiting each booth to learn about all of the different cultures and diversities that are present here on campus.

Booths were decorated with colorful banners, flags, photos and artifacts representing different countries.

Whether it was by offering a sample of their native cuisine or by teaching spectators a game specific to their culture, booth participants took pride in letting people know exactly what they were all about.

Some of the participants dressed in traditional clothing and headwear. To take it a step further, several booths even had henna tattoo artists on hand offering free henna tattoos.

Passports, which included a page designated for each booth, were passed out to visitors. As each booth was visited, a stamp was placed on the appropriate page in the passport.

Once each page had been stamped, participants could fill out the included survey and return it to the IISS booth for a chance to win a prize.

Anthony Jenkins, dean of students, feels that the Global Expo has become somewhat of a “staple” for the university.

“Our students from various countries look forward to dressing up and sharing a part of their culture with the university, and our domestic students look forward to going and partaking in asking questions, and playing some of the games,” Jenkins said. “It’s always good to see the students and the university communities come together and join our diversities.”

Each year Global Expo attracts larger crowds and more participants interested in showing the UHCL community just how diverse they are.

“We have had a record of more booths than we have had in the past,” said Susana Hernandez, coordinator of the Global Expo. “For my first time coordinating it, I am glad that it has been successful.”