The Intercultural Club’s annual Coffee House was held this past Friday, Nov. 5. Coffee House is one of I-Club’s most well-known and anticipated events. It is held so that students can showcase their talents and gifts. Performances range from dancing and singing to Kahoot quizzes about different cultures.
Junior Elizabeth Olsen said, “The highlight of Coffee House for me was being able to watch everyone show off their skills and talents that they might not get to showcase elsewhere. Each of the performers seemed in their element and that was very cool to experience.”
Olsen was one of about 110 students that attended I-Club’s Coffee House this year, more than double last year’s numbers. An increasing factor was the fact that Dordt students were back in attendance this year, not only watching but also sharing their talents.
I-Club president, Lisa Li, explained that Coffee House used to have performances from Dordt students in the past, but did not last year due to COVID-19. Thankfully, I-Club was excited to bring back Dordt students this year, truly embodying the goal of the club.
Li said, “We create events in order to connect with other students and share different cultures. Our goal is to bridge the gap between international and American students.”
One particular way this was showcased at Coffee House was the celebration of Diwali, led by Nepali students Pratik Paudel and Sonu Gupta. Diwali is the Festival of Lights, a celebration and tradition in Nepal. Students were able to learn more about Diwali and Nepali culture through a presentation shared by Paudel and Gupta.
Northwestern students that are interested in learning more about other international cultures are encouraged to look into being involved with I-Club and the work they are doing on campus. President Li shares that although I-Club is run by our international students, anyone can be involved.
One upcoming event to be on the lookout for is the Cultural Fair, returning to campus this spring.
Li said, “This is a time when the community is involved as well. In this event, international students are able to show part of their culture by cooking something from their home country or dressing up with traditional clothes.”
I-Club hosts many great events like the Cultural Fair and Coffee House, creating fun and education on NW’s campus. If you are interested in I-Club and what they are doing, contact Li to be added to the email list.
