The Association of International Students (ASI) ended International Education Week with Arabian Night in the Student Center on Nov.19. Arabian Night was a chance for the students at Texas A&M University-Commerce to get a feel of the Arabic culture.
“We wanted the students to understand and know the Arabic culture,” graduate student and ASI president, Helen Magalhaes said.
The goal for the ASI’s International Education Week and for Arabian nights was to gain more members and set themselves aside from other international organizations.
“Most students thought that we did not exist on campus, or they got us mixed up with other organizations,” freshman psychology major, Eduardo Sneed said.
Arabian Night was carefully planned by its members to attract students who anticipated coming to the event and for those who just passed by.
“I felt the Arabian theme from the set up, food and the music,” sophomore information systems major, Jon Taylor said.Some students said they attended, because they were curious about Arabian life.
“I wanted to try the food and learn more about the culture,” Taylor said.
With this particular culture many different types of food were brought in to be tasted.
“The chicken that was served was great, and the dessert was sweet,” junior biology major, Brittany Pa’shay Edwards said.Some students said they were surprised that although cultures have some differences, some staples are the same.
“It’s nice to know that chicken and potatoes are common in almost every culture,” freshman industrial engineering major, Christi Chaplin said.
There were a lot of activities at Arabian Nights that gave the event an Arabian feel.
“The activities that we have are henna painting, making coin belts and a DJ for the night to dance,” Magalhaes said.Another activity ASI planned for was the most anticipated activity for the night, which was the belly dancer that was brought in.
“Most people thought that the belly dancer was just a rumor,” Magalhaes said. “Tonight we have a surprise for everyone in attendance.”
Some students were also in attendance to see the certain performer.
“I really want to see the belly dancer so she can teach me how to do the dance,” Edwards said.
The belly dancer entertained the crowd by dancing with a knife on her head and bringing people from the crowd on stage to dance with her.
“I like the way she got the crowd involved in her performance,” Chaplin said. “The crowd was interested in her and the next thing she would do.”
Though ASI anticipated a high attendance with the food and the activities planned, they did expect the turnout would be this great.
“We hope for this kind of turn out and I am glad to see that it happened,” Sneed said.
With all the diversity on campus, ASI wants events like this to be a constant thing on campus to showcase the cultures that are represented.
“I feel that the events like Arabian Nights should be brought to campus,” Magalhaes said.