ISU students from around the globe will perform their native dance and music during the International Talent Show.

Rui Choi, graduate student in hotel and restaurant management, said about 12 students will perform in the talent show.

“We have individual performers from China, Taiwan, Nigeria, Japan, Romania, Switzerland and Korea. They will perform songs and dances from their home lands, and several Americans will also sing a jazz and pop song,” she said. “We also have several student organizations from other countries performing. We tried to get as many international groups involved as we possibly could.”

Choi said free popcorn and soda will be provided at the show, which is sponsored by the International Friendship Fair Program of YWCA of Ames-ISU.

“The IFF is a cross-cultural program between Central Iowa students and ISU students,” she said. “International students visit elementary schools here to share their culture with the children. In the process, they also learn about American culture from these children.”

Leo Zhao, graduate student in management information systems, is an IFF volunteer and will perform in the talent show.

“I go visit schools and share with the students. It’s a great learning experience, and I also made friends with many of the other volunteers. That’s how we decided to organize a show to develop our talents and have fun,” he said.

Choi said the reaction to the IFF program was so great, the volunteers thought they could do similar presentations for ISU students.

“We want to show this kind of talent to students at Iowa State,” she said.

She said people will enjoy the culture of the show.

“I hope they will come and share international culture, have a good impression of that culture and enjoy the show,” she said.

Judy Dolphin, executive director of the YWCA of Ames-ISU, said another goal is to recruit more volunteers for the IFF program.

“We hope to make students who come to the talent show more aware of the benefits of being part of the IFF,” she said.

She said students can realize many benefits by participating in the in the International Friendship Fair.

“Those benefits include fun, making new friends and helping make the world a better place,” she said.

Dolphin said anyone is welcome to come and enjoy the performances.

“I think it will be wonderful and fun for people to come to, especially for those who may not have made many new friends yet,” she said. “These students are very talented, and I hope people will come see them.”