
Georgia College and State University’s Front Campus will come alive with music, color and culture next week during one of the university’s most anticipated fall traditions. On Tuesday, Oct. 22, from 5 to 7 p.m., the International Club and Student Government Association will host the Annual International Fest, a celebration of global diversity and community at GCSU.
The event will feature tables hosted by international students that each represent their home country and culture. Many other student organizations and departments will also set up exhibits to promote global awareness. There will be live performances, cultural displays and a variety of international food samples for everyone to enjoy.
For International Admissions Counselor Susie Ramage, International Fest is more than just an event, it’s something that captures the spirit of Georgia College.
“It is my favorite event of the year, and I believe it presents an opportunity to break down barriers and allow people to learn from one another,”Ramage said. “The best part of my job is witnessing the friendships that are made right here on campus. More times than I can count these friendships often evolve into international travel to visit and explore other countries and cultures together.”
The festival, which has become a campus tradition, aims to bring together students from all backgrounds. It’s a space where learning extends beyond classrooms, and connections are made through shared stories, food and laughter.
“The main goal of International Fest is to celebrate the diversity within our campus,” said Andrew Earnest, president of the International Club. “Our organization, International Club, aims to promote cross-cultural understanding at GCSU. Our campus has a large international student presence, with students from all over the world living and learning in Milledgeville. While they’re immersed in our campus culture day to day, this event gives our students the chance to share pieces of their homes with our community.”
Earnest said this year’s festival will feature several live performances that highlight the talent and pride of international students.
“This year’s event will feature live performances including our flag ceremony, cultural dances and showcases of traditional attire,” Earnest said. “It’s an amazing opportunity to learn about our diverse campus community and the world at large.”
The flag ceremony, one of the most popular parts of the event, will include students carrying flags from their home countries while music from around the world plays across Front Campus. Attendees can also expect dance performances, photo opportunities and the chance to sample dishes from dozens of countries.
Behind the scenes, International Club members have been planning the event for months in partnership with the Student Government Association (SGA). The group hopes to make this year’s International Fest larger and more engaging than before, with additional student groups participating and added ways for attendees to get involved.
“We have a tendency to separate ourselves based on our differences without taking a moment to actually talk to each other to learn,” said Kat Carrouth, the Campus Relations chair for International Club. “International Fest is a great opportunity to put down preconceived notions we have of each other and actually share our experiences by learning about cultures outside of the American worldview.”
Carrouth’s message reflects what makes International Fest such a valuable experience for students. The event isn’t just about celebrating culture, it’s about connection and conversation.
International Fest has continued to grow in popularity each year by drawing students, faculty and members of the Milledgeville community.
Whether you’re trying international food for the first time, learning how to say “hello” in another language or just stopping by to enjoy the music, organizers say everyone is welcome.
The two-hour celebration is free to attend and visitors can enter raffles to win International Fest merchandise.
“It’s always such a good time,” Earnest said. “You can really feel the pride people have for where they come from, and it’s cool to see how much everyone else wants to learn about it too.”