A Taste of Home: International Food Festival Brings the World to Lynchburg

Rafiul Islam

Nov 23, 2025

2 min read

By: Rafi Islam | Multimedia Editor, The Critograph

Close-up view of a woman smiling while holding a paintbrush, representing creativity and passion — Photo of International Students from Bangladesh with Cuisines from their Country. Photo by Rafi Islam

The University of Lynchburg campus was filled with the smells of global cuisines and the sounds of joyful music last week. The Office of International Student Support hosted the International Food Festival, a vibrant celebration titled “A Parade of Cultures.” The event was a beautiful display of the diversity that makes our campus community so special.

The hard work of the organizers brought the night to life. Ngun Sui Zing, the Director of International Student Support, was thrilled with the result. “It was so good to see this wonderful parade of cultures coming together as one community,” Zing said. They were supported by Jarrett Ulmer, Coordinator for International Student Support, student assistants, and the Office of Campus Engagement.

Gretchen Casler-Cline, Assistant Director of Campus Engagement, helped manage the bustling event. “It was amazing to see the cultural foods, songs, and dances shared with everyone,” Casler-Cline said. “It truly showed the spirit of our campus.”

The festival was a feast for the senses. Students and faculty enjoyed delicious foods from around the world, including Egypt, Nepal, Korea, Ireland, Ethiopia, and many more. The excitement continued with live cultural dance performances from the students from Nepal, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh.

A highlight of the evening was the “Global Fashion Showcase,” where participants from different countries shared their traditional clothes on stage. Every participant received a certificate to honor their contribution to the night’s success.

Photo of Students and Staff from Different Countries with their Cultural Dress. Photo by Rafi Islam

For students, the event was a meaningful taste of home and a chance to learn about new cultures. “As an international student, this festival made me feel so proud to share my culture and to see others share theirs,” said Shefalica Thapa from Nepal.

An exchange student from Korea Seoyeon Kim agreed, adding, “The energy was incredible. It felt like the whole world was in one room, happy and united.”

Freshman Vannon Lail left with a new perspective. “I’ve never experienced anything like this,” Lail said. “It was fun, but it also really opened my eyes to the amazing different people from different countries we have here.”

The International Food Festival was more than just a party; it was a powerful reminder that at the University of Lynchburg, our differences make us stronger, and our community is our home.

To stay informed about future cultural events, celebrations and other programs, the University of Lynchburg's full events calendar can be found here https://www.lynchburg.edu/events/.

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