Cultures from around the world gathered together to share each culture through games, clothing, pictures, languages, henna and more.

The International Student Council held the International Bazaar Tuesday night as part of International Week.

Many of the activities included trying on a few countries’ traditional clothing, playing traditional cultural games and henna tattoos.

“This event showcases diversity in a way other than food and other than music,” said Adli Shah Adnan, president of International Student Council. “Bazaar gets people more interactive, especially in the speck of knowing more other than what you hear and see.”

As students arrived at the bazaar, they were given a chart to fill out saying that they have visited each station. At the top of the page was a spot for each person to write down a phrase. After thinking of the phrase, they went to each country’s station and asked them how to say that phrase. Some students asked how to say, “I love you,” in the different languages.

When students completed the chart, they could enter to get a prize as they left the event.

“This is a way to promote cultural experiences,” said Zenia Adiwijaya, junior in food science and event planner. “Students were able to see the world in just three hours.”

In those three hours, students were able to feel a part of various cultures.

By giving ISU students the opportunity to learn about other cultures, they are given the opportunity to become more culturally aware of what is going on around them.

“It really makes a difference. Many people don’t have this chance to get to know culture,” said Holli Hochberger, freshman in animal science. “They [each culture] are all nice and welcoming. If you look lost, they will invite you to join in.”

Each cultural group stood and interacted with all of the people attending the event. If students weren’t visiting with someone specifically, group members joined another conversation or walked around and tried to draw people in to see their table. Nepal student Susmita Luitel Bhandari said she liked how she was able to get people involved in her home culture.

International students sometimes are not able to go back home for holidays. They can contact back home using phone and Skype.

“We cannot just get up and leave because it is expensive,” Shalika Khindurangala, president of Iowa Ukrainian Students, said. “It gives us a chance to feel at home, while educating other students about our culture.”

The bazaar allows other cultures to represent their community in a different country.

“As [an] international student, you come here, it’s a very foreign place and you need to learn how to adapt,” Adnan said. “By being able to not only adapt, but being able to showcase and share what you represent in a bigger scale it’s something that I appreciate the most.”

Some people are only comfortable with their own culture. Bazaar allows students to step out of their comfort zone.

“This event puts us outside of our normal daily schedule,” said Alex Broderick, sophomore in accounting. “It puts me out of my box.”

Iowa State is home to about 3,980 international students this fall, more than 11 percent of total enrollment, according to the Office of the Registrar. By hosting Bazaar, it allows all the cultures to gather as one.

Bazaar helps international students to come together and be a part of the international family.

“Sometimes we feel alone and lonely,” Bhandari said. “These events show that we are family. Together, cultures make up family.”