UIS celebrates the 38th annual International Festival

The University of Illinois Springfield hosted the 38th annual International Festival on November 13, 2015, at The Recreation and Athletic Center (TRAC) on campus. The theme of the festival was "World at a Glance”.

The festival gives international students a chance to share their cultures with fellow students and members of the Springfield community. The festival featured food and entertainment from several African nations, China, India, Ireland, Peru, Scotland and Middle Eastern countries.

“We’re very lucky to have a number of great performers,” said Kim Omachinski, UIS director of International Student Services. “They will be singing, dancing and playing musical instruments. Really great performances from around the world.”

Sid Modali came to UIS from India to study Management Information Systems. He says events, such as the International Festival, are important because they allow him to share his culture.

“It is very important that people from different backgrounds, different cultures and different countries come forward,” said Modali. “Everything about this is so diverse.”

The International Festival is the longest running student event at UIS. Organizers hope that the festival encourages people to try new things.

“It’s great to have it here at UIS, where we’re able to show a global community right here locally in Springfield. People can have a taste of around the world in just a few hours and hopefully inspire them to get out and try other places or do some travel,” said Omachinski.