Global Village celebration at UPEI showcases countries, cultures from around the world

UPEI students gathered to share their cultures and traditions at the university's annual Global Village celebration on Saturday.

Psychology student Sharen Joe represented Kerala, a state on the southern coast of India. She said India is a diverse country, and each state is unique.

"Every state you go to, you will see a different scenery, a different type of food, different cultures," she said. "I don't miss the ocean that much, but I do miss the food and the breeze."

She said events like the Global Village celebration allow students to share a little bit about where they grew up and feel proud of their origins.

"When you leave your home and come to a new country, it's really important to remember where you came from and what your culture and traditions are," she said. "Connecting back to your culture helps you connect to others, too."

Among the roughly 17 countries represented was Ecuador. 

Amy Montesdeoca, a third-year business student who works with the International Student Office (ISO), said the South American country may be small but it's home to four distinct geographic areas.

"This tiny little box holds a bunch of stories, customs, traditions," she said. "Ecuador means everything to me. I'm here representing my country, my people, my family."

The university has seen decline in international student enrolment since the federal government implemented a cap on international student visas early last year.

Montesdeoca said she attended the event to represent not just Ecuador but the Island, too.

"I'm in love with the Island. I can feel a little bit Islander sometimes," she said. "I can call this place home as well and if I can bring my home to my new home, that's the real meaning for me to be here."

ISO director Jerry Wang said the celebration is especially meaningful as a Canadian immigrant himself.

He said it’s more important than ever to embrace and understand multiculturalism.

"For people to get together to understand each other better ... I think that's the strength [a university] can bring to the community."