Throughout the spring semester, Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO) will provide activities honoring world cultures. Students, faculty, and members of the regional community are invited to participate in “SEMO of the World,” a celebration of cultural diversity in Southeast Missouri.

“This is an opportunity to shine a spotlight on the numerous internationally-focused activities happening across campus and in the community during the remainder of the semester.  Not everyone is aware of the deep and meaningful ways Southeast is engaged in international education, and ‘SEMO of the World’ is an opportunity to demonstrate that engagement,” said Kevin Timlin, executive director of Southeast’s International Education and Services, “‘SEMO of the World’ is an opportunity to demonstrate how much we, as a University community, respect and value all that international students and scholars bring to the educational environment here. We hope everyone will take the time to attend some of these events to show that everyone from around the world is welcome here.” (source: Southeast Missourian)

Currently, 883 international students representing 50 countries are enrolled at SEMO. Various student and community organizations are joining forces to provide a calendar of meaningful activities for the “SEMO of the World” series; these activities will provide international students with opportunities to share their cultures and customs with their American counterparts.

CENET joined the festivities by sponsoring “Carnaval Night: Welcome to Rio,” organized by the Brazilian Student Association and hosted by Centenary United Methodist Church. Per the event description, the evening was a “high-energy night exploring the richness and diversity of Brazil by enjoying traditional Brazilian dishes prepared by Chef Juliana, a live samba performance by renowned Brazilian music and dance group Samba Bom, carnival dancers, samba lessons, bossa nova, capoeira, freestyle soccer and much more.”

The CENET staff especially enjoyed getting to see several Brazilian volunteers from Culture in the Community (CITC) participate in the event; one demonstrated capoeira, a Brazilian martial art that combines elements of dance, acrobatics and music, while others performed a Brazilian pop song.

CENET’s contribution was used to hire Samba Bom, a renowned music and dance group, and to provide special lighting for the event.

The evening was a huge success and a true celebration of Brazilian culture.

Check out event photos in the gallery below. Details about other “SEMO of the World” events may be found here.

CENET strives to inspire a safer, more prosperous and compassionate world through international education and cultural exploration. For more news and updates about CENET, please visit our Facebook Page.