The University of Idaho Argonaut

A big budget and a week off are not always necessary to be immersed in culture.
At the University of Idaho’s annual “Cruise the World” event on Saturday, anyone can take a day’s vacation without leaving Moscow.

“A lot of people would like to travel but don’t have the time or the means,” said Glen Kauffman, International Friendship Association coordinator.
The International Friendship Association is hosting the event and is funded by ASUI and International Programs.
Kauffman said this event showcases many parts of facets of different cultures — food, music, dancing and even clothing.

“During this event, the International Ballroom looks, sounds and smells wonderful,” Kauffman said.
Cultural booths, staffed by student ambassadors, will offer several different kinds of food for sale.
Lidwine Clerc, senior International Studies major, was involved in the French booth last year and will be running it again this year.

“People ask about what we eat because France is the food country,” Clerc said.
Clerc said food in France has less sugar and fat than in the United States, but that doesn’t mean the crepes the French booth will be selling won’t be delicious.
Also at the booth will be a wine and cheese map of France.

While people are try out new tastes on their palate, there will be entertainment on the stage every half hour.
The UI Marimba Ensemble will be part of the entertainment and carry a definite African sound.
New this year is a Guatemalan guitarist who will be playing traditional folk songs from Central America and Ecuadorian dancers who will also be entertaining the crowd.

Kauffman said people can “try on culture” — literally.
Ticket buyers will have the chance to learn how to correctly put on a kimono (yukata) or a sari.
Passports are given to ticket buyers as they enter, with the countries presenting at the event inside, making it easy to find countries they want to “visit” and experience their culture.
Clerc said many people ask her about life in France and how it is different.

Part of the fun of the event, Kauffman said, is that people can learn about other cultures by talking to people like Clerc.
“There are so many foreigners at this school,” Clerc said. “We (French) are so different. It’s important for people to understand Europe exists.”

Clerc said that many might feel motivated to go abroad after experiencing the culture the event offers.
In her own experience of coming to a new country, Clerc said, “It opened my brain, to be exposed to culture.”
Kauffman said the event carries benefits for the campus and the community.
“One of our goals is to globalize student views,” Kauffman said. “Cruise the World helps students share their culture with the campus and community and demonstrates commonalities between experiences in the U.S. and abroad.”