TROY, Ala. (TROJANVISION) — Whether it’s studying abroad or simply talking to students that aren’t from the United States, students are given constant opportunities to get a “Taste of the World.”

This week, Troy University held several events based on International Education Week, a time where cultures are celebrated.

“We’ve always said that it’s a small world, but it is getting smaller, so it is important for students to learn more about other cultures,” Study Abroad Director Sarah McKenzie said. “It’s good to know why other people do things the way they do: because of where they’re from.”

Taste of the World was made of several parts including a bake off and photo contest.

“For the last couple years, we’ve had an international bake off where students, faculty, and staff can enter a dessert,” said Dean of International Services Maria Frigge. “We always have a photo contest during the week too, so we have judges vote for the top three, and we have students vote while they’re here at the event.”

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Taste of the World also featured a booth set up by the Spanish Club that allowed students to try various Hispanic sweets.

“We tried to get a little bit of everything,” Spanish Club secretary Alondra Jaimespena said. “We got some Hispanic sodas called Jarritos, and then we got some candy, some tamarind flavor which is very popular in Mexico, but we also got some sweet stuff just in case some people don’t like that sour type of candy.”

Taste of the World was not just about food; it was also about experiencing and embracing the cultures of Troy’s international students.

“We think it’s really important for our domestic students to learn more about other cultures, and because we do have so many international students on campus, they don’t even have to leave Troy to do that,” McKenzie said.

Figge believes international interactions are a crucial part of the college experience.

“We try to teach faculty, staff, and students on Troy campus to be globally aware, because that is something that we believe is very important for students in today’s world because it doesn’t matter what you do, you’re going to meet, and work with, people from all over the world.”

International Education Week continued with the annual ISCO Festival Thursday night. International Education Week is a nationally-recognized event. Click here to learn more.