After months of preparation, international students are ready to showcase performances reflecting cultures from seven different countries represented at the University of Hawaii at Hilo.
As of fall 2023, the number of international students increased by 5%, with 231 international students from 33 countries enrolled at UH-Hilo, comprising 8.3% of the student body.
The 49th annual International Night will feature performances by student organizations representing Samoa, the Marshall Islands, Japan, Ireland, Palau, Hawaii, two states in Micronesia — Kosrae and Pohnpei — and Mexico.
“We’re excited this year to feature a performance from our Hispanic Heritage Club, showcasing Mexican performing arts,” said Jim Mellon, director of UH-Hilo’s International Student Services. “To my knowledge, we’ve never had a performance featuring Mexican music and dance, so we’re really excited about that.”
Student leaders from UH-Hilo’s International Student Association, or ISA, and the International Student Services program have been planning and organizing the event since November. This year, a 30-student crew is volunteering before, during and after the show.
“There are a lot of moving parts involved, including recruiting students to perform and volunteer, arranging for rehearsals, publicizing the event, and executing it,” Mellon said. “It offers a great opportunity for students to learn how to plan, organize, and execute a large-scale event. It is a labor of love.”
The primary objective of ISA is to promote intercultural awareness and understanding in and around campus. Along with International Night, the club organizes trips, social events and service opportunities throughout the year.
International Night has provided the perfect platform for students to showcase their cultural heritage and pride for the entire community.
“The long hours that they put in to practicing and volunteering is a testament to their willingness to share their cultures with the campus and local communities, and to give back to the campus and Big Island communities that are so welcoming to them,” Mellon said. “I see the event as UH-Hilo international students’ annual gift to the community.”
According to Mellon, participating in International Night helps enrich the college experience for international students, while also providing a learning opportunity for local students and students from the continental U.S.
“Having an incredible college experience isn’t just about the learning that occurs inside the classroom,” Mellon said. “Students’ experiences are enriched when they get involved in outside-of-the-classroom events and experiences, and they graduate with a richer, more well-rounded experience.”
International Night is tonight beginning at 7:30 p.m. at the UH-Hilo Performing Arts Center.
Tickets sell out quickly. Check here for availability: hilo.hawaii.edu/depts/theatre/tickets/.
Any remaining tickets will be sold at the box office beginning at 5:30 p.m.
Email Kelsey Walling at kwalling@hawaiitribune-herald.com.