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Bemidji State University Celebrates 51st Festival of Nations

The Beaux Arts Ballroom at Bemidji State University’s Hobson Memorial Union was filled with music, laughter, and the aroma of spices from around the world on April 6, as the University hosted its 51st annual Festival of Nations.

International students from Indonesia and South Korea serving food

The long-running event, organized by BSU’s International Student Organization (ISO), brought together students, scholars and community members for a vibrant celebration of global cultures through food, music, art and conversation.

More than 30 traditional dishes representing five continents were served and shared among attendees, each plate a reflection of home, heritage, and hospitality. For many, the festival was a chance to reconnect with familiar flavors or try something new—served up by the people who call those cultures their own. International students and visiting scholars spent weeks gathering ingredients, practicing performances, and perfecting their recipes.

The five visiting scholars and one Chinese student taking a group photo after food preparation is complete

Among those who contributed were six visiting scholars from Jishou University and Huaihua University in Hunan, China: He Zhimin, Shang Zhaokui, Tan Yi, Guo Jianfei, Feng Tao, and Li Wenjia. Together, they formed a culinary team led by Head Chef He Zhimin, who often cooks for students during field study trips in China. The team prepared a trio of traditional Chinese dishes: hand-shredded chicken, braised pork belly, and egg-wrapped pork rolls. The latter, HE shared, was a childhood favorite, reserved for special occasions. Now, he prepares it to bring back the tastes and memories of home. These dishes was some of the crowd favorites. Within moments of being set on the Asian exhibition table, they were surrounded by eager festival-goers and swiftly emptied.

Serving the trio of dishes
Attendee showing the henna that was just painted on her arms

In addition to food, the festival offered interactive exhibits including henna drawing, face painting, and traditional Chinese calligraphy bookmarks and lacquer fan crafts. These hands-on activities gave attendees a chance to experience the artistry behind many cultural traditions. The International Program Center also hosted a table at the event, showcasing the many education abroad opportunities available to BSU students and encouraging cross-cultural exploration beyond the classroom.

Dancers showing off their Global Grooves.

The entertainment lineup featured international music, dance, and live performances. ISO president Juliana Nixon and her group wowed the crowd with their high-energy dances. Fellow ISO officer Faith Adedeji performed with her band, “Just in Time,” delivering heartfelt vocals. The Chinese scholars showcased traditional Chinese flute and erhu (a two-stringed instrument), as well as a yoga inside flow, and a cosplay-style performance blending Chinese opera with a modern video game character. Each act was met with warm applause, reflecting the audience’s appreciation for the rich diversity on display.

JIANG Yiling cosplaying the video game character Yuan Jin while singing Peking Opera

“The participation of our Chinese scholars not only added authentic flavors to the event but also helped strengthen cultural exchange and understanding,” Jo Li, Assistant Director of International Program Center shared. “Behind headlines of trade war and political conflict, there are people—warm, creative, and generous people—who share love through food and art.”

The Festival of Nations continues to be one of Bemidji State’s most cherished traditions, serving as a reminder that cultural exchange fosters connection, empathy, and friendship.

 

Long awaited ISO Festival of Nations Returns to Bemidji State University

Juliana Nixon is a BSU international student from Nigeria, she is a third year studying Computer Information Systems and the President of International Student Organization (ISO). When she came to BSU, she came with memories and stories from her aunties, who have graduated BSU, about the Festival of Nations. This grand ISO celebration of different cultures brought the whole community out and together. She joined ISO under the leadership of then president Muhammad Hasnain, a graduate student in Environmental Studies in 2023, when the organization was just reactivated after being dormant for three years during the pandemic. They took time to rebuild the base and reconnect with campus partners. When Juliana took up the baton from Muhammad, she had the ambition to bringing back the beloved Festival of Nations for BSU and the community.

Fast forward to Spring 2024, ISO’s Festival of Nation’s planning committee was busy meeting and getting every details in place in preparation for the 50th Festival of Nation. With guidance from mentor Ashley Gomez, Interim Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Associate Campus Diversity Officer, ISO were sprinting forward with a huge undertaking of making and serving authentic food that represent the students’ culture, the taste of home and family tradition.

Students having a fun moment making food together
International students at Wally’s kitchen are about to begin their long day of food preparation.

On April 12th, an early afternoon in Wally’s commercial kitchen, international students started chopping, marinating and preparing different ingredients for the big rush the next day, getting over 20 dishes ready for Festival of Nations. The next morning, the day of the event, students got up bright and early, and started at the kitchen by 8 o’clock. The spirit was high as they are passionate about sharing something they love. Some were calling home to ask for cooking advice, some were following a grandma’s recipe, and some were tag teaming with another student from the same region. At times, the kitchen was quiet as everyone is concentrating on their task in hand, other times, there were loud communication across the room as one shouts to another to turn down the heat or to flip the food. They all tried to stay calm and orderly, but they were also racing against the clock as the event would open its door at 4pm. The news about the return of the 50th Festival of Nation has already been sent out through local newspaper and radio; the stake was high and there was no room for mistake.

In the end, this team of amazing international students came through. When you walked into the door at 4pm, you would have no idea of the busy rush less than an hour ago. Attendees could pick up a passport, collect stamps of nation flags, enter a raffle ticket for lucky drawing and go through the line of amazing food from around the world, brought to you by the students that came to BSU from around the world. Total of thirty six food and beverages from East Asia, Europe, Africa, Middle East, and the Americas were served.

Ashley Gomez introduced band “Just in Time” with Faith and Juliana.

 

You may have heard the story afterwards from Bemidji Pioneer’s coverage of the event; the 50th Festival of Nations was an event full of smiles, laughers, music, lovely conversations and full bellies! DJ Micah was in the house, keeping up a global groove. Violinist and a graduate student in Music Education, Julia Anderson played some lovely Irish fiddles for the audience. Turns out Juliana Nixon is also a great singer, her sang with the band “Just in Time” with singer Maggie Kienetz , Faith Adedeji on the keyboard, Sam Kienetz on the guitar and Jonny Fraser on the drum. They performed song after song as attendees celebrated well into the night. Psychology professor John Gonzales as seen in the photo below shared a sweet story of how he and his wife originally met at the then “Feast of Nations” twenty years ago. 

Countries have borders, the world seems divided when you tune into the news these days, but BSU’s Festival of Nations brought people together as we celebrated diversity in culture and bridged our differences over a community meal.

The group of international students and staff members involved in putting this amazing event together

Education Abroad Common Application

Are You Ready To Be An Exchange Student? — IPC to host live webinar series

The International Program Center is excited to host of webinar series on exchange programs. Starting this week, we will host livewebinar with one of our partner institutions each week (*webinars will be recorded). These webinars are designed to introduce to students exchange opportunities available at these partner institutions, and topics include course options, student life, language requirements, financial support, etc.. All students are encouraged to attend. Faculty are welcomed to stream or replay these webinars in your classes.

What is an exchange program?

Exchange programs vary and can include domestic or international opportunities which allow students to study away. Some exchange programs are even offered virtually, allowing the student to have a global experience from their home.

What exchange programs does BSU have?

BSU currently has three international exchange programs with Aalborg University (AAU) in Aalborg, Denmark; Magdeburg-Stendal University of Applied Sciences (h2) in Magdeburg, Germany; and University of Teacher Education (PHZ) in Lucerne, Switzerland. For more information about these programs, please join us for live webinars over the next four weeks. Details are listed below. Return to this page after the live event for links to the recordings.

Weekly Webinars:

The webinars below will be recorded and made available here. Webinars will be structured to allow each institution (BSU and partner institution) time to talk about their programs. Courses are offered in English at these European partner institutions.

  • Wednesday, February 22nd at 9am (CST) learn more about our exchange program at Magdeburg-Stendal University of Applied Sciences (h2) in Magdeburg, Germany. While all are invited to attend this informational session, programs at h2 are best suited for students interested in Technology, Art, Design – Technology or Environmental Science.
  • Thursday, March 2nd at 10am (CST) learn about our exchange program at University of Teacher Education (PHZ) in Lucerne, Switzerland. While all are invited to attend this informational session, the program at PHZ is best suited for students interested in Education.

If you have any questions, please contact Interim Director of the International Program Center Danielle (Danielle.smith@bemidjistate.edu)(218-755-4096)

Nursing Students In Belize

Gabrielle Jacobson, a nursing major from Burtrum, Minn., performs a screening at a health fair during market day in Punta Gorda, Belize. Jacobson is part of a group of nursing students and faculty from both Bemidji State University and Northwest Technical College who spent two weeks in Belize providing health care in Mayan jungle villages and hosting health fairs.

Pandas in Xi’an

panda

Michaela Willer shared part of her experience working abroad in China on her blog.

The shelter had been commended for their work on the Crested Ibis. The guide told me there were only 7 Crested Ibis in the world back in the 1980’s and the center we were at was responsible for helping them stave off extinction. There are now thousands in the world. Apparently it is easier to breed birds than bears.

We also saw golden takin, silk deer — who are hunted for their antlers which are used as traditional medicine, black bears that they called moon bears,  Sibuxiang — a chinese animal that is a mix between a horse, donkey and goat — and golden monkeys. There were also vultures, eagles, an owl, an  eagle and a peacock.

It was really cool to see all the animals and it was better yet because there were barely any people there. Most people go to Chengdu to see Pandas so this place isn’t very well known. It was 30 years old though and you could tell. It wasn’t necessarily in a state of disrepair, but it needed a little loving.

Right now I am in the middle of my flight from Xi’an to Guilin. It is only an hour and a half versus the 20 hour or so train ride that it would have been otherwise. The warriors were definitely worth the time spent in the train and the Muslim Quarter was great. I am really excited for Guilin, maybe we might even get fresh air there.

Buford and Bath Field Trip

burford bridge

Britta Marie wrote about the EuroSpring field trip to Burford and Bath.

On our second field trip, we went to Burford and Bath. In Burford, we went to the church where the Levelers we killed. The Levelers were soldiers for Cromwell’s Army who were fighting for their rights after they had succeeded in overthrowing Charles I. They wanted to remain a group and receive benefits for what they had done. The Levelers who would not back down from this stance were held as prisoners in the Burford church and eventually killed there. There was also a famous cheese shop there so of course we stopped and got some

Next we traveled to Bath, where we toured some 2000 year-old Roman Baths. I couldn’t believe how much technology they developed! They invented heated flooring and plumbing, and they had the ability to quickly drain or fill the pools. There were baths of varying pools in sizes and temperature, it was incredible!

After the tour we were free to roam the city, so Kelsey, David and I went to William Herschel’s house where he discovered Uranus with his telescope in the 18th century. He and his sister studied astronomy and they moved in with the royal family after their discovery. I had been learning about Herschel in my science class, so it was nice to have a fair amount of background knowledge before going here. Can’t wait for the third trip, to Statford-upon-Avon.

Read more at http://brittamarieeurospring.blogspot.co.uk/.