From now until Friday, Iowa State students can experience different cultures’ traditions during International Week.

Seeing and conversing with people of different cultures may be a rare occurrence at ISU, compared to more culturally diverse universities such as UCLA, University of Illinois, Texas A&M or even the University of Iowa.

During this week, students can participate by going to lectures and programs directed at enhancing intercultural communication. Hundreds of people participated Sunday in the Global Food Fest in the Sun Room of the Memorial Union.

Many people eat Chinese food, but do they know about the culture? Many people eat Mexican food, but do they know about the culture?

Language barriers may pose a problem at times. Many ISU students may feel uncomfortable when people of different cultures speak their native language. But when people get to know people of different cultures they recognize and understand their traditions and values. Part of what makes the character of people is their language and the way they speak.

All we need do is take the initiative.

Too often, people shy away from things that are different than themselves. Why do you think E.T. was terrorized? And why did slavery in America persist for more than 200 years?

Instead of traveling to Japan, Mexico, China, Korea, Russia, or Kenya for spring break, why not get to know ISU students who come from those countries?

All too often, people want to travel to different countries to learn about different cultures, instead of learning about those cultures from international students in the United States.

For Iowa State to become more diverse, people of different cultures and ethnicity need to interact. To help the effort, participate in International Week.