The International Student Association (ISA)is an organization open to all students that aims to allow Kennesaw State students with a wide range of nationalities and heritages to exchange cultural knowledge.
The organization hosts several events throughout the academic year to recognize the accomplishments of members and allow any students interested in learning about cultures outside of their own to participate.
To celebrate the graduation of the international members of ISA the club hosts a Mosaic Celebration in which graduates receive multicultural cords to wear over their caps and gowns while walking across the stage.
The cords represent their status as international students and members or soon-to-be alums of the ISA. Those recognized that have been especially active within the association will also receive a sash from ISA with the name of their country displayed on it with pride.
The ISA also hosts an International Fair each year. It is always an open invitation to the general student body and will be held this year on the entirety of the Campus Green on Thursday, April 7 from 5:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m.
There will be complimentary food and games, including ladder toss and Connect 4 as well as a bouncy house. Attendants will be able to watch the sunset on campus while promoting diversity and multiculturalism.
In addition to the entertainment, there will be stands set up around the Green with brief introductions to some of the countries represented within ISA. There will also be stands representing other campus organizations including Greek life organizations such as Gamma Phi Beta.
According to the Vice President of ISA, the International Fair is an opportunity for “opening a space for any organization that wants to expand their international community.”
Vice President Sebastian Gamboa is a sophomore at KSU from Venezuela and in his second year as an active board member in the club. He described one of his objectives in his role as encouraging American students to join the association as well as international students. He expressed that “everybody that wants to feel included [and] wants to learn more about other cultures” is welcome to join the ISA family.
Another event the club hosts is called International Ambassadors in which members compete against one other for an audience while showcasing their respective heritages. The winner of this event will hold the title of International Ambassador for a full calendar year.
The International Ambassador will be awarded the honor of representing ISA at events as a special guest as well as having their portrait hung in KSU’s Global Village for the year.
In speaking about the recreational nature of the events put on by the club, Gamboa added, “Every time I go to an event even though I am one of the hosts…I’m always there to have fun.”
To learn more about the ISA’s upcoming events or how to get involved, visit them on OwlLife.