More than 100 students and families came together late Nov. 23 to celebrate and learn Saudi Arabian Culture.
Attendees were served traditional food, tea and coffee, were able to try on traditional clothing, given henna tattoos and could receive written calligraphy of their name or a phrase throughout the evening.
"A Night In Saudi Arabia" was a LaFollette Hall Council event put on entirely by freshman telecommunications major Cole Callahan.
Fahad Aseery, a graduate student studying special education, was the main speaker for the evening. He greeted students, families and nearly 20 fellow Saudi Arabians with the traditional greeting "salaam alaikum," which means "peace be upon you."
During a short presentation, Aseery focused on the unique things about his country, but he also stressed that Saudis have "much more to offer" than simply unique clothing, different accents and food.
Students were shocked to hear if they traveled to Saudi Arabia, they would find no bars or clubs there. The religion of Islam — which is the heart of in is Saudi Arabia — allows no alcohol whatsoever.
Aseery said his people don't believe they need alcohol to have fun. They entertain themselves with late-night get-togethers, much like the event itself.
The event's attendees then broke into smaller groups, each joining with different Saudi Arabian students to ask questions and learn about aspects of the culture.
One student studying urban planning, Anas Almassrahy, sat with students to discuss the social customs in Saudi Arabia and how they differ from American customs.
"I have found that here in United States, communication [and] greetings are different," Almassrahy said. "It's not easy to interact with people here [in America]."
In addition to communication, Almassrahy talked with students about other social interactions that differ between the two nations.
"I miss the social life," he said. "Here, in the Midwest, people are not as social."
Among students learning from Almassrahy was sophomore business administration major Jessie Rougeau. She learned about this event as a LaFollette Complex Resident Assistant and knew she wanted to attend.
"I wanted to see what it was like in their world," Rougeau said.
The discussion with Almassrahy felt personal and made Rougeau feel more comfortable talking to international students. She said she quickly learned of not only differences, but similarities between America and Saudi Arabia as well.
"It was very eye-opening," she said. "Now, I'm not so scared to ask them questions."
During discussions, the tea and coffee were served. Almassrahy said this practice of serving hot tea and coffee to guests is traditional and told guests "[hosts are] working hard to serve you." Drinks are given in small cups, so that the host will be going back and forth refilling the drinks often. This is one practice to honor guests in Saudi Arabia.
Deanna Shockney, a freshman education major, heard about the event through Facebook. She has an interest in other cultures and even visited Dubai for three weeks during the summer.
She believes more students should be open to learning about other cultures and said she was excited to be at "A Night In Saudi Arabia."
"I'm open to learning new things in general," Shockney said. "And [this event] is something that we need to have more of."
Callahan, the host of the event, first became inspired to work with international students after attending International Conversation Hour, where he met Aseery. That same day, Callahan decided to run for the multicultural chair position for LaFollette Hall Council and was later elected.
"[Aseery] showed his pride," Callahan said, "and how he loved his country."
Callahan planned the whole event himself with the hope of ending certain stereotypes about Saudi Arabians and giving students a chance to understand another nation besides their own.
"We fear things we don't know, and I want people to get to know the culture through interaction, rather than just being informed," he said.
This event won't be the last, as Callahan said he wants to educate students on other cultures in the future. "A Night in Japan" might be the next LaFollette Hall Council event he hosts.
"I've learned so much about myself and about the world, and I want to continue to spread the movement," he said.
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