11/09/16 rg
HAYS, Kan. -- Fort Hays State University's Office of Intercultural Integration arranged a field trip for FHSU students on Oct. 29 to the 36th annual Wichita Asian Festival. The festival celebrated the culture and customs of Asia with stage presentations, authentic food and wares from about 10 Asian countries.

The festival also featured live performances highlighting a variety of elements from Asian culture as well as the Miss Wichita Asian Festival pageant. Vendors had booths offering authentic art and cuisine. Activities for children and adults provided an opportunity to learn about Asian customs, clothing and culture.

"Before the festival, we stopped by an Asian/African market due to the students' request," said Mehran Shahidi, director of Intercultural Integration at FHSU. "The students were thrilled to find the native food and groceries. The Wichita Asian Festival took place at Century II Performing Arts & Convention Center and had over 6,000 attendees. The event included food from at least 10 countries, various cultural performances and little trinkets to buy from different countries."

The Office of Intercultural Integration has arranged a field trip to Kearney, Neb., for Monday, Nov. 21, to visit the Great Platte River Road Archway and Museum and a classic car collection. The Great Platte River Road Archway spans 310 feet over Interstate 80 near Kearney. The Archway presents 170 years of America's westward movement through detailed displays over one of America's busiest interstate highways. The classic car collection features more than 200 historic automobiles from the early 1900s to the modern era. The attraction includes video and multi-media displays throughout. Visitors are able to read a description of each automobile.

To attend the trip to Kearney, please RSVP by Monday, Nov. 14, 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.