On December 6, our international students shared their cultural traditions and Christmas customs with the university community at the Café International. The event, organized by the International Office, took place as part of the European Universities (EuroInnA) project and attracted numerous students, educators and guests.
In the foyer of the A-Building, visitors enjoyed an impressive variety of international specialties and had the opportunity to talk to students from all over the world. A special highlight was the range of Christmas and winter specialties from the home countries of the "internationals", which were presented in time for St. Nicholas Day.
A group of students from Japan, including Mika Hidaka, exchanged gifts under the Christmas tree despite having no religious affiliation and learned about the European tradition of St. Nicholas Day. Ani Chobanyan and Astgihik Shmarnovian from Armenia proudly emphasized the long Christian tradition of their home country, even though St. Nicholas Day is not celebrated there.
"The Café International not only facilitates the exchange of culinary delicacies, but also of cultural traditions. It is impressive to see how students from different nations celebrate together and learn from each other," said Kerstin Gallenstein, Head of the International Office at HWG Ludwigshafen.
The event was particularly well received by one student, Lea, who has both Russian and Turkish roots and was able to get to know the traditions from Cameroon. "I would also like to dance at Christmas," she said enthusiastically.
The Café International at the HWG Ludwigshafen offers a unique platform for intercultural exchange and the promotion of understanding between students from different parts of the world. The organizers are already looking forward to further events that reflect the colorful diversity of the university community.
