St. John’s Celebrates Cultures on Campus During International Education Week

International Education Week brings the St. John’s University community together for a series of programs that highlight the many cultures and backgrounds represented across the Queens, NY, campus. 

Events for the week of November 17–21 began with a West African drumming workshop held on the first floor of the D’Angelo Center, where members of Wula Drum introduced students to rhythms and instruments from their native region.

The November 17 workshop was led by M’Bemba Bangoura and Fara Camara, both originally from Guinea in West Africa and now living in New York, NY. They demonstrated drum patterns, inviting students in the crowd to follow along. They later explained how their instruments played multiple notes that are used to create unique rhythms. 

“We are from West Africa, where we teach African drumming and dance,” Mr. Bangoura said.  “Our company travels to many schools and festivals to share our culture. We are happy to be here today.”

The drumming workshop provided students with an opportunity to learn more about West African culture and share these experiences with their peers. 

Jean-Luc Hinds, a senior from Trinidad and Tobago majoring in actuarial science at The Peter J. Tobin College of Business, said the event offered an opportunity to learn about cultures represented on campus while spending time with other students. “I love trying new foods and learning about different cultures,” he said. “As an international student, it is important to have events like this because they promote inclusivity and make everyone feel at home.”

Students also enjoyed an international snack table, featuring treats from the top 10 international countries represented at St. John’s, including Canada, China, and India. Between drumming demonstrations, groups of students gathered around the table to sample the snacks and talk about their cultural backgrounds.

Maja Henry, a junior biomedical sciences major from Kingston, Jamaica, and a member of the Red Storm Women’s Track and Field team, discovered St. John’s after an admission representative visited her high school. “I was impressed they came such a long way,” she said. “That really put St. John’s on my radar.” 

St. John’s hosts nearly 700 international students from about 90 countries. What’s more, approximately 42 percent of St. John’s undergraduates study abroad at some point, making it a national leader in international engagement, according to the Office of Global Programs. The University offers study-abroad programs that vary in academic or service focus, cost, and duration to help ensure opportunities for all students.

“International education is not ancillary to our mission, it is central to it,” explained Christina R. Quartararo, Associate Provost for International Education and Global Strategy. “At St. John’s, we prepare students to engage a diverse and complex world, and that means both welcoming the world to our campuses and sending our students out into it. Through global partnerships, international students, and transformative study-abroad experiences, we live out our commitment to opportunity, understanding, and service.” 

The drum demonstration was one of several events hosted by the Office of International Education during the week. Others included a student conversation on global learning and the University’s mission; a dining etiquette dinner for international students; and Jeopardy Gone Global, a game night inspired by cultures, traditions, and fun facts from around the world. 

Students also participated in faculty presentations on integrating the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals into coursework; courses in French and Italian language and culture; and an information session on St. John’s global exchange programs. 

The Office of International Education also hosted a guided visit to the Permanent Mission of Cuba to the United Nations, a tour of the United Nations Headquarters in Manhattan, NY,  and an international student dinner hosted by the Office of Multicultural Affairs.

“International Education Week brings together the St. John’s community to celebrate the value of study abroad and gain a greater understanding and knowledge of other cultures, traditions, and world views,” said Susan Peterson, Associate Director, Global Engagement, Office of Global Programs. “Global exposure and experience are keys for students to be able to collaborate with partners locally and globally for peace and social justice.”