To International Club Vice President Will Sanders, the International Food Expo is the biggest opportunity for people to experience the world.

The event will take  place. Feb. 17.

Each year, 500 tickets are offered to students and the community. The university usually runs out by 11 a.m. the day of the event each time, said Nicole Vernon, program coordinator and adviser to the International Club.

While food is a big draw for the expo, another draw is a window into a different culture.

“When I was a freshman, I lived on the international floor and I didn’t know about it until the day I moved in,” Sanders said. “Once I got to meet the people, I was like, ‘I’ve never experienced anything like this.’ It was the best mistake I made.”

Sophomore Jackie Yagual has volunteered at  the Ecuador table since her freshman year. This year, the table will bring empanadas de viento, a type of fried bread stuffed with cheese.

Her favorite part of the event is the fashion show. The Arabic clothing is beautiful to her, she said.

“Since I’m an international student, it is very nice to see how all these cultures, attires (and) personalities get together in a big festival,” Yagual said. “It’s all about getting to know other cultures, learning about them and adapting to them. How everything synchronizes; it’s wonderful.”

International Club President Emeritus Giselle Fernandez has been active in the club for three years and has taken part in the Expo each year. While this year she is not running the Venezuelan booth, she will be providing entertainment in the form of dances. Each year is a different pairing of dances, ranging from the salsa, merengue and bachata.

“I think it represents the unity,” Fernandez said. “I love seeing how everyone works together and we have people from all around the world. It doesn’t matter what religion you are (or) what country you’re from; we all work together.”

Fast Facts

What: International Food Expo

When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 19

Where: Carter Hall

Price: Students – $12 in advance, $10 at door

Children under 12 – $5

Children under 3 – Free