iCafe holds first event of the semester

The first iCafe of the semester was held on Wednesday, Oct. 5 (photo courtesy of International Events at Mason).

The Office of International Programs and Services, Peer Empowerment Program, and the Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Education held the first iCafe of the semester on Wednesday, Oct. 4. The multicultural event, held in the Patriot Lounge in Sub I, featured international games, snacks, and teas.

According to Birgit Debeerst, associate director for Programs and Outreach and OIPS, iCafe represents different cultures through music, games, crafts, and food. People passing by can sample a few snacks and read descriptions of the country of origin. Those wishing to stay longer can indulge in a variety of teas and participate in a game or craft.

According to faculty member Marlene Wu, when iCafe coincides with a specific heritage celebration, they hold a “tie-in” with the other heritage. With October being Hispanic Heritage Month, this week iCafe incorporated Mexican snacks and piñata crafts.

“iCafe broadens peoples’ horizons through their taste buds,” Ward said. “It invites people to share their own culture with others, and it highlights the part of them that others might not discover.”

Debeerst claimed that students who attend weekly meetings decide which countries to represent, the menu, and the activities for iCafe. Students and faculty members volunteer to set up the tables and help with activities and food. This year Women and Gender Studies contributed buttons displaying country names to distinguish the snacks on the tables.

According to Debeerst, some students who come back from studying abroad express interest in representing that country and some students want to showcase a culture that they know nothing about. iCafe also showcases cultures that have little representation at Mason.

“iCafe is a way for domestic and international students to showcase their cultures or learn about ones they don’t know,” Debeerst said. “iCafe helps to build community. Everybody bonds over tea and food.”

Debeerst said that iCafe “all started with tea.” Past iCafes have featured only one culture, but students felt that there were other cultures needing representation. Since then, iCafe has incorporated more snacks and activities, as well as some performances. Last year there was a dance demonstration and a Peruvian flute player. A drumming workshop is also a future possibility.

“Someone asked [of iCafe] 'who are you?' and I said, 'Mason'” Debeerst said.

The event is held twice a semester. Meetings are open to anyone interested each Wednesday at 3 p.m. in Sub I, room 3334. The next iCafe is Wednesday, November 7.

Check out the facebook page “International Events at Mason” and the blog icafe.onmason.com to learn more about iCafe.