February 21, 2014

 

Contacts:

Tracy Mouser, Office of International Studies, 657-1762
Carmen Price, University Relations, 657-2269

 

11th annual event brings together dance and cuisine from around the world

 

MSU BILLINGS NEWS SERVICES —  There are never too many cooks in the kitchen during Montana State University Billings’ annual International Food Fair.

 

International students serving Japanese food at the 2012 International Food Fair

This year is no exception. Dozens of international students from regions all around the world are gathering recipes from their native homelands to present during the 11th annual MSU Billings' International Food Fair on Thursday, March 27.

 

The flavorful extravaganza, which is open to the public, will be held in the Student Union Rimrock Café at the four-year campus, 1500 University Drive, from 4:30-7 p.m.

 

Students in the MSU Billings International Studies Club, in conjunction with other MSU Billings organizations, will prepare cuisine from all around the world for this annual event. Students will begin prepping the meals the day prior to the event, with the majority of the cooking to take place the day of.

 

“There are very few events like this in Billings,” Tracy Mouser, International Student Services Coordinator, said. “The food fair provides an avenue through which our international students can share part of their culture with all of campus and the community. The students absolutely love it.”

 

The unique cultural and culinary experience includes sampling of foods and cultural education from around the world—including regions in Asia, Europe, the Middle East and Mexico.

 

New to this year, the event will feature a world dance and music party. Dancers will showcase and teach ethnic dances including Celtic, Latin and Middle Eastern belly dancing.

 

“The event plays an exciting and important role in the university life of our international students and community alike because it helps to foster cross-cultural learning,” Mouser said.

 

The cost to attend the food and dance fair is $15, which includes all you care to eat as well as entrance into the dance party, which will also be held in the SUB.

 

The event is sponsored by the Office of International Studies and Outreach, the MSUB Library and Sodexo. Proceeds from the event benefit the International Club’s student events and international student trips to Yellowstone National Park and other sights.

 

For more information, contact Tracy Mouser in the MSU Billings Office of International Studies at 657-1762 or by email at tmouser@msubillings.edu.

 

PHOTO ABOVE: International students from Japan wear traditional clothing while serving cuisine from their native country during the MSU Billings' annual International Food Fair in 2012.