10/13/16 rg
HAYS, Kan. -- More than 40 international and American Fort Hays State University students and two faculty members visited the Haskell Indian Pow Wow in Lawrence earlier this semester as part of a field trip set up by the Office of Intercultural Integration.

Students visited the Haskell Indian Art Market, saw a performance by Native American dancers and sampled Native American foods. The Haskell Indian Art Market attracts hundreds of visitors each year. The market provides an economic opportunity for Native American artists as well as encouraging cross-cultural understanding and exchange.

Director of intercultural integration Mehran Shahidi invites FHSU students to attend the next field trip on Saturday, Oct. 29, at the 36th annual Wichita Asian Festival. The festival celebrates the culture and customs of Asia with stage presentations, authentic food and wares from about 15 Asian countries.

The festival features live performances highlighting a variety of elements from Asian culture as well as the Miss Wichita Asian Festival pageant. Vendors will have booths offering authentic art and cuisine. Activities for children and adults will provide an opportunity to learn about Asian customs, clothing and culture. The festival is at the Century II Convention Hall from 5:30 to 10 p.m. Admission is free; a free-will offering is appreciated. Please RSVP by Friday, Oct., 21, to m_shahidi@fhsu.edu or call 785-365-6304..

The goals of the office of Intercultural Integration include helping international students adapt to living in America, especially Hays, as well as introducing international and American students to each other's cultures. Students are also assisted in adapting to the environment in American classrooms while practicing and improving their English language skills. This office provides cultural and settlement support for international students in order to facilitate their integration into the FHSU environment and the Hays community. This office also concentrates on mentoring, advising, guiding and helping international students with different academic, social and behavioral issues while integrating into FHSU's existing culture.