On Monday, Nov. 15, the department of languages and communication began International Education Week with the annual International Night in the Student Union Ballroom. Students were entertained with skits, songs and poetry all in foreign languages as well as Egyptian dancing and a Zumba competition.

The event was Southeastern’s first in the nationally celebrated International Education Week, started by the U.S. Department of Education and the U.S. Department of State. Various Southeastern departments sponsored each event, including the department of fine and performing arts, the Office of International Initiatives and the Office of Multicultural and International Student Affairs (MISA).

MISA Director Dr. Eric Summers explained why International Night was the first of the week of events.

“That’s the day that showcases all of the international students,” said Summers. “So it’s the big celebration of international talent here at Southeastern.”

However, not only Southeastern students performed. Special guests included the Mandeville Junior High French Club performing “12 Biscuits,” a skit directed by Southeastern graduate and current French teacher Louise Zollinger.

Several of Southeastern’s teachers in the department of languages and communication attended the event to help coordinate the show, promote opportunities offered in their department and to enjoy the show.

“[International Night] is important for promoting the language and culture that we teach,” said Italian professor Dr. Francesco Fiumara. “It’s a showcase of all the creative activities that we do in our classes.”

Each year, attendants are treated to an international buffet. This time, students feasted on curry and jerk chicken, Greek salad, beef burgundy, stuffed shell pasta, cous cous, Mexican tacos and a dessert table. Sarah Clifton, an instructor in the department of mathematics, attended as one of Southeastern’s Zumba teachers.

Zumba is a fuse of Latin dance and aerobics, and Clifton instructs Zumba classes in the Kinesiology and Health Studies Building along with Angelique McIntyre.

Students were invited onstage to get a free five-minute lesson on a few Zumba moves before competing against each other for prizes. Junior communication major Ryan Washington won the competition by show of applause.

Clifton also promoted the charity event hosted by Zumba fitness “Dancing for Dolls,” which took place on Nov. 22. Students were asked to bring in dolls for underprivileged children to have as gifts for Christmas to benefit “Toys from the Heart.”