University students and the surrounding communities are invited to travel the world from the comfort of our own town! Sunday, March 24, the University of Idaho is proud to be hosting its 26th annual Cruise the World event in the Bruce M. Pitman Center from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Cruise the World is a highlight of the International Programs Office at the UI that began 26 years ago with the intention to celebrating the many cultures of the area.
Program coordinator Mimi Kestle explained that the event hopes to create a sense of unity, “we want to bring the whole Moscow community together and celebrate all of the countries and cultural diversity represented here at the University of Idaho,” Kestle said. The event features everything from live cultural performances to “the best food on the Palouse” from community members eager to display their unique cultural heritage. Admittance is free and food will be purchasable with cash.
The event hosts over 20 countries each year, drawing in over a thousand attendees in the last few years from communities all over the region. This event was originally “set with the intention for anyone to join,” Kestle said. And it has since expanded influence in the last few years, as travel enthusiasts and families from Spokane to Coeur d’Alene and Lewiston make the trip to Moscow ready to experience the world from their backyard.
In years past, Cruise the world has taken place in the Vandal and Pitman International Ballrooms, but this year Kestle was excited to inform us that the event will expand to the entirety of the Pitman Center, displaying never featured cultural attractions.
The first floor will highlight one of the university’s own professors, Dr. Sonya Meyer, and her collection of traditional garments from her travels of diverse cultures all over the world.
Apart from a range of cultural performances from song, dance, martial arts and more, the second floor will also highlight the staff members’ and students’ firsthand experiences abroad with short clips and videos from their travels, but also what life was like from their home countries.
The university is home to around 800 international students, scholars, and international employees all together representing over 70 countries.
“There’s a lot of diversity here. I would love to see this event continue to grow each year and bring more diversity too,” Kestle said.
So far 21 countries have signed up with plenty of room for more!
As a participant, attendee and planner for this event, Kestle has a heart for traveling.
“What I love the most about this event is probably the fact that it brings people together from everywhere,” Kestle said.
With all the work that goes into this event and the new additions this year, there will be no shortage of activities for all. Come prepared to have an unforgettable and interactive cultural immersion experience!
This is an incredible opportunity for our communities to experience the range of cultures that Moscow is home to.
“Just to celebrate that diversity that we have in such a small Idaho town is really enriching for this whole community, and for me personally,” Kestle said.
Tanner Allen can be reached at [email protected]