Springternational 2006

Statement of Purpose

In the past four years we have combined our efforts with the Special Events Committee of the Duke University Union to unite two major events, the International Festival and Spring Fest, a merger renamed "SPRINGTERNATIONAL" that provides the entire Duke Community with an unprecedented opportunity to:

Celebrate and unite the diverse cultures at Duke, enjoy one whole day of great food and good entertainment in perfect spring weather, and, most importantly, to have fun!

Project Description

Springternational features craft and food vendors as well as food from diverse countries and cultures. The International Association mainly organizes the cultural part of Springternational, bringing together international students from over 35 different countries to represent their cultures. International students participating are given the opportunity to set up a booth representing their home country, which displays artifacts, ethnic decorations, handicrafts, maps and more. The best booths receive a special prize.

We also organize the Passport game with fun trivia about the different countries represented, a raffle, an international parade with people wearing their traditional costumes, as well as a whole day of performances, dances and bands. Our performances last year included a Tae Kwon Do demonstration, Sabrosura, Defining Movement, Argentinean salsa dancing, Duke Chinese Scholars and Students Associaiton, Students of the Carribean, and a fashion show!

This year, our new attractions will include a magician, a caricature artist, a balloon artist, a sheesha tent with tarot card readers, and an international games booth with fun pastimes from all around the world. We will also have a community service project to raise awareness about an international burning issue and to raise funds for a related non-profit organization. The community service project for Springternational 2006 is the Darfur Campaign with the Duke Sudan Initiative, Community Service Center and Red Cross. All proceeds go to Save the Children's operations in Darfur.

Springternational 2004. Photo credit: Sally Ong