​On 18 May, the Stellenbosch University Language Centre Intensive English Programme (IEP) international students, celebrated Cultural Day in a unique and exciting way.

The United Nations declared 21 May of each year World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, a day aimed at providing us with an opportunity to deepen our understanding of the value of cultural diversity and to learn how to live together in harmony. IEP students embraced the opportunity to embody this day at the University, a few days before the official date.

The event took place at the Khaya (Kruiskerk), the corner of Victoria and Ryneveld Street, where groups of IEP students explored the broader concepts of their beliefs, values and culture. The countries that were represented were Libya, China, Saudi Arabia, Mozambique, Iran, Switzerland, South Korea, Congo, Cameroon and Gabon.

On display were numerous stalls portraying the culture of the various ethnic groups, highlighting their customs, traditions and food. In addition, each group presented how they identified with their culture. 

According to the organisers, the event was well-received.

"We welcomed support from the Grade 10 Rhenish Girls' High School students. The girls were extremely enthusiastic and seemed to thoroughly enjoy interacting with the IEP students," said Deena Raghavjee, programme coordinator of the Intensive English Programme.

"We all enjoyed walking around among the different stalls which each country had set up and where we could sample traditional foods and ask questions. What impressed us most about these (IEP) students was their ability to present so clearly and with such confidence in front of a large audience of around 50 people. This is something I greatly admired about every single one of them; I can only imagine what a challenge it must have been," said Chiara de Franchi, a Grade 10 pupil at Rhenish Girl's High School.

Caleigh Plaatjes wrote: "It (Cultural Day) was an amazing way to learn about  different countries, cultures, and traditions and to eat the local food (which was our favourite part!) It was an eye-opening experience and we were so lucky to have attended such a brilliant event."

"We (the Grade Tens) extremely enjoyed tasting the food from different countries such as Acorn Jelly from South Korea, Chinese noodles and Swiss cheese fondue… We had a fantastic time, excelling in quizzes, dances and general knowledge," said Micaela Budge.

"The Cultural Day event was a product of many hours invested by both students and mentor teachers, achieved through meticulous planning, rehearsals and cross-culture teamwork. As a result, the outcome was truly remarkable, with prizes being awarded to the top three groups based on a specific criteria. The presentations were a wonderful opportunity for the students to share with the audience, their understanding about culture and indeed, themselves, and in doing so further enhance their English Language skills," Raghavjee concluded.