The Nicholls International Community will be hosting its 7th Annual International Banquet on Sunday, Nov. 9.

Each year, the Nicholls International Community chooses a country to highlight. This year’s banquet theme is “Amazing Africa”. Guests will enjoy authentic global cuisine, and international students currently enrolled at Nicholls will provide entertainment native to their countries.

Andrea Riera, marketing major from Venezuela and president of the Nicholls International Community, explained that the students organize the whole event.

“From decorations to ticket-selling and everything in between, it’s all done by the students,” Riera said. “It’s a very big event with a lot of work, but it’s worth it for sure.”

Students even worked with Sodexo to come up with the traditional recipes that are served at the event as part of the three-course meal.
In the past, entertainment has included Reggae music, belly dancing and even opera singing.

“Usually, the Brazillian students who go to school here for music will play classical music,” Riera said.
The event will take place in the Cotillion Ballroom of the student union, and all are welcome.

Tickets are $5 for students and $28 for faculty, staff and community members. Tickets will be available for sale through the International Office, however they will not be for sale at the door.

Stephanie Barnett, an education sophomore from Australia, said that her favorite part of the banquet last year was seeing all the different cultures come together.

“It was just amazing to see everyone’s different cultures coming out, and being portrayed in both dress and dance styles,” Barnett said. “I’m looking forward to watching these unbelievably talented students show off their abilities this year in the different performances.”

Marcus Fox, a marketing senior from England, said that one of his favorite parts is seeing everyone dressed up in traditional clothes from their countries.

“You get to see the people from the Eastern countries who will be wearing traditional clothing,” Fox said. “It’s a fun time.”
Fox said that without international students, Nicholls would be quite boring.

“It’s good that Nicholls has the International Community,” Fox said. “It brings a good vibe to the university.”

“I know the majority of the people that come here are already from Louisiana, but the internationals give it something a little different,” Fox said.

Fox also explained that making friends from other places is like a learning experience.

“A keen interest here is hunting and fishing, and that’s not really a big thing for European countries,” Fox said.

International students are immersed in Louisiana culture, and the International Banquet will be a chance for locals to experience different cultures as well.