Traveling the globe without leaving campus
Adam Soto rides the Bonzi Bikes, which let users pedal in a complete 360-degree circle, at the UIC World’s Fair Thursday. Photo: Timothy Nguyen
By Nada Abdelrahim
Students who visited the Student Recreation Facility Thursday could pick up a passport-style program guiding them to activities to travel the world through the UIC World’s Fair.
The inaugural event featured activities such as the Taste of UIC, sporting events, cultural activities, Bonzi Bikes and more.
The World’s Fair emphasized different cultures of the world, with activities and performances representing many diverse countries, such as Korean fan dance and Russian folk painting, called Khokhloma.
Graduate students Ester Van Dyke and Janee Allsman answered questions from students about UIC’s French programs.
“Having an opportunity to present [French] offered at UIC in this type of setting makes curious students more comfortable asking questions,” Allsman said.
Food served at the Taste of UIC represented many cultures, as well.
Alicia Lobo enjoyed her first time at the Taste of UIC. “I got the pineapple hava and it’s really good,” said Lobo, a junior in anthropology.
Sophomore and Filipinois in Alliance member Joseph Ravara serves lumpia to graduate student Cynthia Teschner. Photo: Joseph Horejs
She enjoyed looking through the event program for things to do.
“Everything that is happening seems really fun and different,” she said. “I definitely want to try more food and learn what I can from the activities going on.”
The World’s Fair offered a place to learn more about different cultures, said Alicia Villegas.
“Not only can you try food from different cultures in an accessible setting, but the different activities can teach you about different cultures as well,” said Villegas, a sophomore in sociology. “UIC is a diverse school, and therefore we should try to diversify our knowledge of the world.”
• Nada Abdelrahim is a junior in bioengineering and the Honors College. Reach her at nabdel7@uic.edu
