KIS hosts 6th International Day Fair

Students dressed in national costumes take part in an activity offered at a booth at Korea International School’s (KIS) 6th International Day Fair held at its campus in Gaepo-dong, southern Seoul, Thursday. / Courtesy of KIS

By Kim Bo-eun

The Korea International School (KIS) campus in Gaepo-dong, southern Seoul, hosted its 6th International Day Fair, Thursday.

The annual fair celebrates the diversity of the school community and provides an opportunity for students to experience cultures from around the world.

At this year’s event, booths of 25 countries took part ― offering food, music, art and information about each country.

“This is the largest global representation the event has ever had,” said organizers Kim Yoon-hee and Laura Sterner.

KIS students and faculty represent 17 countries including the U.S., Germany, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, New Zealand and Colombia. Students requested local embassies’ support for eight country booths.

The country booths were sponsored by parents, students, teachers and embassies. Officials from the Irish and Turkish embassies were present at the fair.

Fourth graders of the school each selected a country to research and represent during the fair. The students made informational posters, dressed in traditional clothing and made culturally significant food. They also offered traditional games and activities for participants to experience.

“This project was optional and I was excited that all of my students elected to participate,” said Joshua Greene, a fourth grade teacher.

The fair is a popular event among students.

“I liked trying different foods from around the world ― especially the pizza at the Italy booth,” said Petra Damjanovic, a second grader.

Andrew Kim, a fourth grader, said, “I really enjoyed spending time with my parents at school and sharing research with my friends.”

“International Day provided opportunities for the members of the school community to share information about their cultural heritage, inquire about similarities and differences, and to come together as one global community within the school,” KIS Principal Justin O'Connor said.

KIS was established in 2000. Its Seoul campus offers curricula for pre-kindergarten, kindergarten and elementary school.