By TILISHA T. ALEXANDER

Staff Writer

International students will celebrate the 13th Annual International Days on Tuesday with food and fun from more than 35 countries.

Daniel Erickson, director of the International Students Office, said usually 1,000 students are present, and he hopes more will attend this year.

"Last year one to two students came from each country that was represented," Erickson said. "And with 35 countries characterized, that is a lot, including those who come and enjoy the food and festivities."

The event will begin at 12:30 p.m. for students from the surrounding areas and will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. for Tech students in the Student Center, Main Floor. International students will bring clothes for dress up to show different styles in each culture.

Erickson said the ISO wanted to include the public in this year's event.

"In our decision for this year's event, we wanted to broaden the fellowship to include the public," Erickson said. "We decided to include schools from around the area, and 300 students are expected to attend."

Sandra George, assistant director of the ISO, said the event will allow school-age children to learn about other cultures and see what types of food are eaten in other countries.

"Kids will receive a passport so that they will be able to stop by each booth to experience life outside of the American culture," George said.

George said students will have a chance to win prizes from restaurants such as Olive Garden and El Chico in Monroe and from Monjuni's of Ruston.

The grand prize is a computer donated by Hi-Tech Computers. A $50 gift certificate from First National Bank will also be awarded.

"The drawing will take place from 4 to 7 p.m. on the main floor of the Student Center," Erickson said. "Students can purchase tickets for $1 from any ISO member or stop by the International Student Office, located in Tolliver Hall, Room 228."

Bijoya Chakraborty, coordinator of the Zambia booth and a senior marketing major, said her last three years in the event have been a wonderful experience.

"It takes a lot of work and dedication, and we have fun showing off our culture to students who have never been exposed to it," Chakraborty said. "I know it will be something I will never forget, and I hope the students will never forget it."

George said this event will teach students about different languages and cultures in the Ruston area and allow them to meet students who are proud of their culture.

"There are 60 different cultures represented in Ruston," George said. "We hope this allows students to see how big the world is or how small it is."