The IFO Conversation Clubmeets at 6 p.m. each Tuesday at the Baptist Collegiate Ministry. A different church in Conway provides the meal each week. At their first event last Tuesday, First Baptist Church provided chili and vegetable fried rice with brownies and cookies for dessert.

Students at Tuesday's meeting

The club sponsors the events each semester to give international students the opportunity to practice conversational English with native speakers. The event also helps the students learn more about each other's culture.

"The best part about these meetings is you get to meet people from all over," said Harold Crow, who is from Singapore. "These students are the brightest of the bright and will be successful in their country one day. These meetings give you the chance to share your own culture and be influenced by other cultures."

Everyone is welcome at the meetings. Who knows, you might make a new friend.

The small but impressive exhibit features 43 traditional and contemporary pieces from faculty members and students at East China Normal University. It is presented by the UCA Confucius Institute for Arkansas and is on display through Dec. 30.

“We brought the paintings and artwork from faculty and students from East China Normal University and we hope our colleagues at UCA, our faculty and students like them,” Fan Jun, vice chancellor of ECNU, said through a translator.

One of the traditional works of art features Wen Zheng’s “Late Autumn” piece. The work shows intricate detailing of calligraphy combined with images that take viewers to an ancient China where pen and paper was sufficient to extend a message of serenity.

A more modern demonstration of art, but not devoid of skill, is Xi Xheng’s “Mercury.” This painting reflects the vibrant blue hues found in the ocean. Western art relies heavily on oil paintings while Asian painting’s richness is found in the detail. “Mercury” tries to find a balance in both by including representations of coral reef, as it seems to float in a cool pool of water. If any piece in the exhibit were to give China Wind its name, it would be “Mercury.” The steady strokes of the brush paint a soft and soothing landscape of tranquility.

“The painting is full of imagery and it is abstract. This is Chinese Wind coming to America,” exchange student from ECNU, Qiong Yao, said of the painting.

Not all of the paintings, however, evoke serenity. An object often used in Western culture is the skull representing death. Seeing a painting of a skull during this exhibit was abnormal. Delving into the occult, one finds that skulls defy life. Siyao Wu’s piece, “Life,” is a juxtaposition of the image created on paper. The skull is made up of trees and mountainous landscapes. From nature destruction occurs. Humanity finds itself constantly causing death. Wu addresses ecological issues through the painting and it invites its viewers to become socially aware.

Lance Grahn, provost and vice president for academic affairs, said the exhibit is an illustration of Chinese art and culture.

“It’s a way that we can expand the way our students see and understand China better emotionally as they react to the art,” Grahn said.

The exhibit is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Admission is free.

The fashion show, designed to introducing the various international cultures on campus, featured dozens of international students who paraded the stage in traditional costumes from different countries. Although the show lasted only 15 minutes, the crowd was enthusiastic about the colorful indulgence of foreign cultures.

A Japanese couple appeared in kimonos. The guy wore a red kimono while the girl wore a floral blue and white kimono with a broad red sash in the middle. They shyly retreated to the back of the stage after posing for the audience.

Later, four Kazakhstan male students emerged in black shapans (long overcoats) embroidered in gold. A female Kazakhstan student appeared in a lovely long garment over tights. Kazakhstan's traditional costumes are very elaborate in design, relating to the country's colorful history and culture. Designed from carefully-chosen materials and styled to match the area's ever-fluctuating weather conditions, the costumes can withstand frost and heat.

Saudi Arabian students also charmed the audience with their long white robes and headgears, known as ghutras. Ghutras are square cotton or silk scarves folded across the head with an end that is used to drape the face as a shield against sandstorms.

The show also featured costumes from Niger and Vietnam.

"I really enjoyed seeing fashions from different cultures, particularly the cheongsams from China. They were very pretty," said junior Taylor Neal after the show.

Chinese students modeling their cheongsams

You will see an interesting array of costumes, colors and cultures. Sara Parrott, coordinator of international student support services, said there should be about 30 to 50 students participating in the show.

Some of the costumes you'll see tonight are from Vietnam, Saudi Arabia, Kazakhstan, Rwanda, Niger and China. The costumes define each country's historical, geographical and cultural uniqueness.

"I hope to see a beautiful display of cultures through tradition and casual dresses of their countries," Parrott said. "I hope we have a good crowd, extending from international students to non-international students and faculty."

This show begins at 7 p.m. It is free and open to the public.

Traditional Kazakhstan dress

The U.S. Department of State and U. S. Department of Education sponsor the week each year to promote the cultural and educational benefits of international exchange and study abroad programs. Our Division of International Engagement is presenting the programs on campus.

Here is the schedule of events:

Monday -

• Chinese art exhibit and reception
• AETN building
• 2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Tuesday -

• Going Global Study Abroad session
• Irby Hall, Room 122
• 1.40 p.m. - 2.30 p.m.

Wednesday -

• Bears Without Borders
• Florence Mattison International School
• All day

Thursday -

• World Fest: International Education Fair
• Student Center Ballroom
• Noon - 3 p.m.
• International Fashion Show
• Ida Waldran Auditorium
• 7 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Saturday -

• Trip to Blanchard Springs.
• 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
• Tickets are $10.

Monday (Nov. 21) -

• International Thanksgiving Potluck and Pilgrim Play
• Student Center Ballroom
• 6 p.m. - 8.30 p.m.

All events are open to everyone and, except the Blanchard Springs trip, are free.

Volunteer opportunities are available. If you are interested, contact Sara Parrott, coordinator of international student support services at Sparrott@uca.edu or at 501-852-3445.

Diwali is the abbreviation of the Sanskrit word “Deepavali,” which signifies “rows of lights.” It’s a beautiful traditional festival that people in India spend weeks preparing for by cleaning and decorating their homes.

Most the people at the festival on our campus wore traditional Indian costumes, ranging  from lovely saris to handsome Sherwanis. Several Indian children were present, also clad in traditional native costumes.

There was a prayer, an introduction of the board members of the Indian Student Association and the playing of the American national anthem. Activities included classical Indian singing, a documentary film, kids’ dancing and a Bollywood fusion dance. The dancers mesmorized the crowd with their rhythmic moves and dazzling costumes.

After the Bollywood fusion dance, everyone sang the Indian national anthem and the dance floor was opened to the crowd.

It was a colorful, insightful event that highlighted the beauty of the Indian culture.

Indian children dressed in their traditional outfits, as the boy waved several Indian flags

The Office of International Programs is organizing the old-fashioned hay ride and it is free for everyone. If you want to go, meet outside Christian Cafeteria at 6 p.m. today.

The hay ride will take you a farm where you can roast hot dogs and make smores over a bonfire. Since the hay ride coincides with the Intensive English Program (IEP) halloween party, feel free to come in your costumes.

The hay ride is an American institution that dates back to frontier days. This is a great opportunity to mingle around and fall in love with the Southern culture. You can register here.

Hay rides originated in Kansas. The hay was actually placed in the wagons to absorb the urine of people who wet themselves on haunted hay rides and the tradition has continued. Don’t you worry now, you’ll be sitting on fresh clean hay tonight.

For Vera Abdullayeva, 23, an international student from Aktau, Kazakhstan, the distance has made her more independent.

Abdullayeva came to the United States in 2005 because her mother believed in the excellence of an American education. Abdullayeva did her senior year of public school at Goessel High School in Kansas then moved to UCA to pursue a degree in broadcast journalism with a minor in photography.

Living in Conway for five years has shaped her perspectives and maturity. On-campus housing has brought out the cook in her. She cooks Kazakhstani dishes in her Stadium Park apartment every now and then.

“I learned to cook when I came here,” she said. “Living in America helped me to grow up. When you’re on your own, you have to take care of yourself. You have to be more independent.”

She explained the several cultural differences she experienced between Aktau and Conway.

“The people in Kazakhstan are really dressy,” Abdullayeva said. “You are judged by what you wear. That’s why a lot of girls would wear high heels and fancy clothes to campus.”

She’s also relieved that Southerners often exchange friendly smiles because it isn’t common for Kazakhstanis to smile at strangers on the street.

She sheepishly admitted that most people in Kazakhstan would find it weird if a stranger smiled at them. In America, a smile on a street from a stranger is a gesture of politeness, but it is viewed as the opposite in Kazakhstan.

“People aren’t as friendly over there,” Abdullayeva said. “Some might even glare at you if you smiled at them.”

Most international students feel that Americans are more expressive and open-minded, and Abdullayeva feels that way too. Coming from a country where Islam is the main religion, she said no one was really able to speak openly about Christianity or any religion except Islam. In America, the freedom of speech still prevails.

She has learned to like the simple lifestyle of Conway. “There aren’t many distractions and it’s a peaceful place to live in,” she said. “The lifestyle here is laidback and not rushed, unlike in Aktau.”

Arkansas is a nice change from the concrete jungle she grew up in. “I love the scenery in Arkansas. There are so many mountains and greenery.”

She sees her family once a year. Her mother visited her in Conway during the summer and they traveled to Washington D.C. together.

She loves photography, dancing and traveling. In her six years in America, she has already traveled to New York, Washington D.C., California, Ohio, Indiana, Florida, New Jersey, West Virginia, Tennessee and Texas. And, of course, she’s seen Kansas and Arkansas.

“I’m currently a junior and I hope to graduate in 2012. Wait,” she paused. “Let me rephrase that. I will graduate in 2012.”

She plans to pursue her master's degree after graduation and start working in hopes of becoming a photojournalist. She wants to visit different parts of the world and write about her travels while presenting her adventures through photography. She also wants to start a photography agency.

“There’s a lot to like about America,” she said. “Americans are good people. This is a great country. When I came here, I learned and I lived.”

Vera Abdullayeva

Alex Palencia, the entertaining host and director of Mexico 2000 Ballet Folklorico, explained the Mexican culture to the crowd. He said the state of Veracruz in Mexico is a beautiful area with plenty of sun, music and culture. He said most people in Veracruz wear white to repel the heat. He also explained the meaning behind each dance that night.

The first dance presentation featured a famous Veracruz song, danced by couples to the music of a harp, violin and guitar. The dancers were dressed in white and red. The men wore crisp white shirts with red bandanas around their necks, while the women twirled around in fancy white dresses and red headgear. They danced to La Bamba, in which a couple would tie a red ribbon into a bow with their feet to symbolize everlasting love. La Bamba is a fast-paced Mexican folk song.

Palencia also introduced the famous dance of Jalisco, another Mexican region. This was a cheerful dance that told the story of a charro courting a china poblana. In this dance, the women were clad in colorful dresses that aroused gasps from the crowd.

Many of the Mexican dances focus on traditional Mexican courtship. The audience was drawn to the brilliant dancing, jovial folk music and the burst of vivid colors in the women’s costumes. Their dresses were long, frilly and attractive. As they danced gracefully, their ornate skirts twirled beautifully around their feet.

“It’s exciting! It’s really good that students can see more about another culture,” senior Ana Aleacio said. “The costumes are really pretty.”

Aleacio wasn’t the only one who enjoyed the one-hour performance. The dancers received a big round of applause and many students stayed back in the auditorium to take pictures with them.

The dance company featured Mary Palencia, Yesenia Sanchez, Jimena Banda, Lorena Olvera, Lucrecia Vasquez, Miguel Arellano, Daniel Ferretiz, Cristopher Gonzalez, Saul Rosa and Alex Palencia. Palencia and his wife, Mary, are the founders of Mexico 2000 Folklorico Dance School. Mary Palencia also designed the costumes. The couple has over 32 years of experience in the performing arts industry and have trained, performed and toured with other well-known regional dance companies in Mexico and the United States.

The event was sponsored by Multicultural Student Services, the Mentorship Program and SGA.

A Mexican dancer twirls onstage in a stunning traditional outfit

The World Languages Club is serving the dish from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. today at its annual Paella Picnic and Potluck in the Crafton Alumni Pavillion on Bruce Street. It's free but everyone is expected to bring a dish to serve with the paella.

The club is sponsoring the event as a way to unite cultures on campus and promote the awareness of the various cultures we have here by giving them the opportunity to mingle.

Entertainment includes international music and the classic piñata to break open.

Paella is famous in Spanish culture for its colorful blend of spices and its healthy ingredients. It was popularized along the east coast of Spain in the mid-19th century.