By: Erica Lampert ~Staff Writer~

The International Student Society (ISS) will hold its annual fashion show and potluck dinner as the culminating event of International Education Week.

On Nov. 21, ISS will host the fashion show and dinner in the Smith Atrium to celebrate the diverse culture of Xavier’s community.
International Education Week began on Nov. 16 and continues through Nov. 22. This week is dedicated to celebrating international education and exchange worldwide. It is a collaborative project between the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education that utilizes programs to prepare and attract students from both America and abroad to study, learn and exchange experiences. Xavier holds this week to highlight diversity among peers and to broadcast the different cultures around the Xavier campus.

At the end of the week, the fashion show and potluck dinner are held as a final get-together for the international community on Xavier’s campus. “The fashion show and dinner is a great platform for communication between different cultures, and it helps to promote diversity and internationalism on Xavier’s campus,” ISS president Zitian Jiang said. During this event, international students in ISS will model fashions from their home countries.

Students who have studied abroad will also display the traditional dress from countries in which they have studied. Many of those who attend will also bring traditional homemade dishes from different countries, and many clubs will display different cultural themes through traditional dances and music.

Those who do not bring food have to pay a $5 dollar fee to attend. “The show is a great opportunity to discover the differences between the traditional outfits from different countries, try authentic dishes from different countries and to meet students from different countries on campus,” Jiang said.

ISS is encouraging students to sign up as models at the Center for International Education to represent different cultural backgrounds. Students are also encouraged to bring a dish, perform, or simply attend the event. “We are happily inviting everyone to come and enjoy the event with us,” Jiang said. For this year’s event, ISS has ordered food from numerous local restaurants that have authentic international foods, contacted guest performers and searched for models to present various cultures.

There will also be a red carpet theme this year, as well as new forms of entertainment for the event. “You might discover one of your classmates or professors who might have some international background at the fashion show. There will also be several good stories about studying abroad offered during the show,” Jiang said.

Other events occurring during International Education Week and more information on the international fashion show is available on Xavier’s website.