Join us virtually for International Festival 2021: Keeping Us Connected!
Night 1: April 7: Food
Watch video submissions from our YouTube playlist, then rank the submissions to cast votes for your favorite videos at pollev.com/wmuglobaledu675. Voting is open until 6 p.m. EST, Thursday, April 8.
Night 2: April 8 | Fashion
Join us live at 6 p.m. EST for short, live introduction and an announcement of the Night 1 winners. Video submissions in the form of a YouTube playlist will be released at 6:30 p.m. Rank the submissions to cast votes for your favorite videos at pollev.com/wmuglobaledu675. Voting is open until 6 p.m. EST, Friday, April 9.
Night 3: April 9 | Fun
Join us live at 6 p.m. EST for short, live introduction and an announcement of the Night 2 winners. Video submissions in the form of a YouTube playlist will be released at 6:30 p.m. Rank the submissions to cast votes for your favorite videos at pollev.com/wmuglobaledu675. Voting is open until 6 p.m. EST, Saturday, April 10.
- What is International Festival?
- Who participates?
- How do I watch International Festival programming this year?
- How does my RSO register to participate?
- Can I volunteer for International Festival this year?
- Can I help promote the festival?
What is International Festival
Although virtual, this year's International Festival will continue the long-standing celebration of the diversity of WMU students.
A popular event since 1989, the International Festival has taken attendees on a trip around the world—without leaving Michigan—to enjoy some of the music, foods, fashions and traditional dances of many cultures. The annual event has provided thousands of students and community members the chance to experience food, culture and fashion from around the world through booth displays and performances brought to life by WMU international and cultural RSO’s.
Although virtual, International Festival 2021: Keeping Us Connected will continue the long-standing celebration of the diversity of WMU students. The three-night program will feature video submissions from international and cultural RSO's as well as discussions on the importance of global engagement by University students, staff, faculty and administrators.
International Festival 2021: Keeping Us Connected
April 7: Food | April 8: Fashion | April 9: Fun
6 to 7:30 p.m.
WMU International YouTube
The International Festival is organized by the Haenicke Institute for Global Education and often involves partnership with other organizations on campus.
who participates?
International Festival invites WMU Registered Student Organizations (RSO's) to participate by submitting videos that showcase cultural relevant aspects of food, fashion and/or fun.
2021 Participating Registered Student Organizations: TBA
How do I watch International Festival Programming this year?
Watch International Festival Programming from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on April 7, April 8 and April 9 via a WMU International YouTube live stream.
How does my RSO register to participate?
To register, a designated member of your RSO should complete the following registration form. Note that participations requires weekly virtual meetings. After registration, plan to attend a first informational meeting on February 17 at 4 p.m. via Webex.
This year's virtual International Festival asks for 3-5 video submissions to at least one of the following categories:
- Food: showcase of traditional dish, recipe or other culinary component.
Funding Available: $50 maximum*
Winning Prize: $300 - Fashion: showcase of traditional outfit, dressing ritual or other clothing component.
Funding Available: $140 maximum*
Winning Prize: $300 - Fun: showcase a traditional song, dance or other performance-based component.
Funding Available: $50 maximum*
Winning Prize: $300
*Funding is limited and will be assigned on a first-come-first-served basis.
Can I Volunteer for International Festival This Year?
We are currently developing volunteer opportunities for International Festival 2021: Keeping Us Connected. Let us know you are interested by completing the form below!
For more information, contact the Global Engagement Activities office at intl-activities@wmich.edu (269) 387-3966.
Can I help Promote the Festival?
Yes! Please help us in promoting the festival by sharing on social media, talking to your friends and marking your calendars. We have helpful images for you to include in any communications you send via a OneDrive shared folder.
Make sure to follow us on social media to help in sharing our content: Instagram; Facebook; Twitter; YouTube.