JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND –
Cultural displays designed by international students enabled attendees to travel through 28 countries during the second annual Defense Language Institute English Language Center International Fest May 22 at the Gateway Club.
Students in DLIELC's Advanced English Studies showcased their cultural customs and traditions at the fest. Displays included facts about the country complete with photographs, computer slides and personally narrated videos.
Among the attendees were fourth through sixth grade students from Lackland Elementary School, 35 students from Ingleside Junior High School, and volunteers from the American Members of International Goodwill to Others program.
Others included Soldiers from U.S. Army Echo Company, students enrolled in the Royal Saudi Air Force Technical Studies Institute, English Language Training program, and DLIELC students from General and Advanced English branches, and a former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Sichan Siv, who was born in Cambodia.
Milissa Stewart, the event organizer from the DLIELC's Field Studies Program Division, said the fest "allows attendees a virtual visit of countries from around the world, some they didn't know existed."
"Many people are not aware of the DLIELC mission," said Stewart. "This is our opportunity to present them with people and cultures from around the world, a chance to learn of our mission and hopefully become a sponsor to further help with DLIELC students' American acculturation."