Special to the Advocate

Troy University's International Student Cultural Organization (ISCO) will hold its 24th annual international festival at 7 p.m. on Saturday, March 3 in the Trojan Center Ballrooms on the Troy Campus.

Festival participants will have the opportunity to sample native cuisine prepared by Troy students and will be treated to an evening of entertainment, traditional and contemporary songs from various nations, the &#8220Kenyan Dance” and the &#8220Parade of Nations,” showcasing traditional clothing from various countries.

Food from about 25 different countries including India, Nepal, China, Korea, Pakistan, Indonesia and Turkmenistan will be offered on the international buffet.

Dr. Scott Nokes, faculty advisor of ISCO, said theme for this year's festival is &#8220Big World in a Small Town.”

&#8220What the festival this year is going to be focusing on is the experience of coming from the big world to enjoy all the intimacy that small-town life in Troy, Alabama offers,” Dr. Nokes said.

Troy

University currently enrolls more than 700 international students representing 50 countries. ISCO is for both international and American students and seeks to promote cultural understanding among different people and to assist international students with the adjustment to university life.

Alina Penjiyeva, ISCO president, said the festival is a great opportunity for students to learn about other cultures.

&#8220It is a wonderful experience to get to know something about the world and different countries,” said Penjiyeva, a sophomore from Turkmenistan.

Tickets are $12 for students and $18 for adults and are available through the University's Center for International Programs at 334-670-3335.