World Wide Welcome party

Welcome party — Michelle Han waits in line with friends at the World Wide Welcome party in front of DeMoss, where new and returning international students had an opportunity to meet friends. Photo Credit: Ruth Bibby

International students at Liberty University had the chance to bump elbows and welcome each other back at the annual World Wide Welcoming event, Friday, Aug. 31.

According to Liberty’s International Student Services, over 900 international students from over 80 countries outside the United States are currently attending Liberty and had the opportunity to attend the welcome back event.

Ruth Bibby, an American who attended the World Wide Welcoming event to experience the different cultures and snap some photos, said that international students were able to enjoy the barbeque food, face painting, hair wrapping and many other free booths from their fellow international students’ cultures.

Growing up in a missionary family and having lived overseas her entire life, Liberty student Hannah Munson said that having the opportunity to hear the stories of the international students on campus was amazing.

Nations — Faith Mavunga and Tinotenda Mutonono draw flags on the sidewalk. Photo Credit: Ruth Bibby

“When I lived on campus, I was always involved with everything that went on with the international kids,” Munson said.

“But now [that] I have moved off campus, it is harder for me to stay in touch and be involved like I used to.”

The International Student Services have been supportive of non-American students attending Liberty, according to Singapore native Brendon Buntain. They have had many events to help bring the students together and provide them with pieces of their homeland.

“I have enjoyed my Liberty experience from day one,” Buntain said. “I have had people that have been here for me and that have helped me in every time of need.”

Being immersed with the international students and getting involved is something that Buntain wants to continue to do.

“I know a lot of people go off to college and get that uneasy feeling about going out and meeting people,” he said. “Getting involved can look scary and intimidating, but it has done nothing but help me and make me enjoy my college career so much more.”

The next international event will be a Busch Gardens trip, according to the International Student Center’s website. Those who are interested should visit the International Student Center in DeMoss 2247 for more information.

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