With the holiday season soon approaching, Female Factor, a women’s organization in the Troy community, began to think about Troy University’s international students and their holiday traditions. Troy University’s International Student Cultural Organization (ISCO) gave them a small glimpse into the life of international students at Troy. 

“The Female Factor is always looking for different and unique programs for our ladies,” explains Diana Lee, an event coordinator for the organization. “So as we began to think about Christmas customs and traditions, we wanted to know what our Troy University International students have as traditions or special celebrations in their countries.” 

Through performances and questions from the audience, the women of female factor were able to relate to the international students and their traditions. “Having an opportunity to spread my culture and traditions and make people aware about it makes me proud as an international student here,” says Biwaksha Shrestha, a performer that day and exchange student from Nepal.

The ladies and guests dined on dined on paella from Spain, cheese bread from the country of Georgia and almond and pecan biscuits from Australia.  They were also entertained with a traditional dance performance from Nepali students and a live song performance from a Chinese student.

Joe McCall, a lecturer at Troy University and advisor of ISCO explains that the most exciting part about the event was giving the community a better understanding of international students. “Having our international students sing and dance for the Female Factor allowed our students to share their culture with an American audience but also allowed women from the Troy community to get to know our students better through questions.“

As the holiday season looms near, many international students admit to feeling homesick. But they rely on the “family” atmosphere of ISCO to carry them through their time at Troy. After Female Factor’s luncheon, many students felt even more at home in the city of Troy.