International Festival at MC helps students, community learn more about the world’s rich cultures

Through the years, the 'fashion show' has become one of the International Festival's most popular segments.

Mississippi College students from more than 15 countries worldwide will showcase the unique culture of their homelands in scintillating stage performances during the International Institute’s upcoming International Festival, which will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 3, in Swor Auditorium in Nelson Hall.

The International Festival gives international students the opportunity to celebrate aspects of their heritage in three-to-five-minute performances that educate audience members about the fashion, music and customs associated with their respective communities.

“We are living in a world that is impacted more and more by globalization,” said Richard Ladner, director of the International Institute at MC. “It’s important for our domestic students to interact with people from different backgrounds. To have international students here on our campus and the opportunity to learn from people from other places are benefits for our campus community.”

He said the International Festival provides a rich, in-person experience unlike anything MC students, faculty, staff and community members could get from watching a video or reading a book.

“This is an opportunity for them to be exposed to a wide variety of cultures right here in their own backyard,” he said.

Although MC’s International Institute hosts various events throughout the year that honor international holidays and promote fellowship among students, the International Festival – the largest international event on Mississippi College’s campus – is the only performance-oriented program.

This year’s festival will include a crowd-favorite fashion show featuring authentic clothing from a variety of countries. In addition to student performances, guest performers will take the stage, including dancers representing Ballet Magnificat in Jackson and singers from the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians in Philadelphia.

“Many of the individuals from Ballet Magnificat are international performers themselves,” Ladner said. “They share their experiences and are a great addition to the talent featured at the event.

“The Choctaws are such great partners with Mississippi College, and it is important to recognize other important cultures that are a closer to home and, as a result, may get overlooked sometimes.”

As the International Institute’s major annual fundraising event for international student scholarships, the International Festival is a critical resource to keep the pipeline of academic talent from around the world flowing to MC.

“From a long-term perspective, we want to provide our international students access to emergency funding and scholarships that can help competitive applicants who may not be from a financially advantaged background,” Ladner said. “This provides them an opportunity to come study at MC and carry the education, Southern hospitality, and our mission back with them to their home countries or further their studies elsewhere.”

Following the festival, audience members will have an opportunity to interact with the performers during a reception in the Nelson Hall lobby. Refreshments will be available.

Tickets to the International Festival cost $10 each for adults, $5 each for students and $25 for families of any size. They may be purchased in advance or at the door. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit mc.edu/international/events/international-festival.