Full Sail Stories
Published Dec 05, 2024
Full Sail Celebrates International Education Week with Multiple Events
The week highlighted many of the diverse cultures represented in the Full Sail community.
From November 18-22, the Full Sail University community celebrated International Education Week. Students, faculty, staff, and alumni participated in multiple events on campus and virtually to learn about the benefits of international education and promote the exchange of cultural differences.
“Celebrating the diversity at Full Sail is incredibly important because it raises awareness among students and the broader campus community,” said Sandy Foncannon, International Student Coordinator in Full Sail’s International Student Services department. “With over 300 international students on campus [and many online], we welcome the opportunity to give exposure to their journeys.”
A group of smiling students stand in front of a colorful exhibit about Panama.
The week included an International Alumni Panel featuring three Full Sail grads: Felipe Tichauer, (1999 recording arts grad originally from Brazil), Federico Carmona (2015 Film Production MFA grad who hails from Venezuela), and Lucia Aveitua (2008 digital arts and design grad who is a native of Mexico). They discussed their experience attending Full Sail and subsequent careers working in the entertainment industry.
Another notable event was the ACIREMA F-1 Student Visa Simulation (ACIREMA is “AMERICA” spelled backward). The interactive experience demonstrated some of the challenges international students face when coming to study in the US, but also provided guidance on making the process easier to navigate.
Later in the week, the Multicultural Festival offered international students the opportunity to share the cultures of their native countries with others. It included live music, a fashion show, artwork, and cultural foods. Performances were put on by the Filipino Student Association Dance Troupe, Kalena's Polynesian Ohana, and K-pop and J-pop dance team Starfire.
Students gathered and connected over board games.
“We invited international students to present their cultures and extended the opportunity to the Black Student Union, Veteran Student Union, and Pride Club,” Sandy explained. “This showcase highlighted the idea that our identities are made up of many different facets, creating a beautiful and unique tapestry.
"There was also an expressive art workshop, two virtual trivia sessions, and a Thanksgiving dinner.
Sandy is confident many students walked away with a newfound perspective on diversity.
“It's a rewarding feeling when students learn something new about another culture or connect with each other through a cultural commonality,” she said.
