International Bazaar offers a taste of different cultures

While speakers blasted music from all over the world, students flocked to the UC Front Lawn for the 23rd annual International Bazaar.

A sumptuous feast for the eyes, ears, mind and especially the mouth, the International Bazaar featured over 20 tables run by different culturally or internationally focused clubs and organizations at Lehigh.

Students who attended Sunday’s event were treated to a wide variety of music and performances, while many of those who manned the tables wore traditional costumes from their culture and presented facts about their countries.

For those who worked the event, it was a chance to teach their peers something new. Chang Liu ’12 worked the Asian Cultural Society and Chinese Cultural Society tables. He said he loves coming to the International Bazaar because of how rewarding it is to see his fellow students open up their hearts and minds to other cultures.

“Of course I love selling food and raising money for the clubs,” Liu said. “But it’s really great seeing so many people share their cultures with others.”

It’s also quite a rewarding experience for the students who attend. Most agree: The highlight is the food. There are few occasions during which students can try pad thai, baklava, shrimp dumplings and crepes all at once.

But eating isn’t the only thing to do. Students can take in a performance or just gain a little more international knowledge.

Julie Stewart ’10 has attended every International Bazaar since coming to Lehigh. “This is my favorite campus event of the entire year,” Stewart said. “My favorite thing is the different food, but I love seeing so many different cultures.”

Nick Davis ’13 attended the International Bazaar for the first time this year. “I hadn’t really heard much about it,” Davis said, “but I’m glad I came. I didn’t know we had this many cultural organizations on campus.”

This one-of-a-kind event leaves an indelible mark on Lehigh students who take the time out of a busy Sunday in April. They can get a great meal, meet some interesting people, and maybe even learn a thing or two about the many different cultures at Lehigh.