 31 countries were all under one roof for the annual Festival of Nations. Haiti Clowder shows us how Bemidji State University embraces international cultures. BSU student Theophily Mathews is from Malaysia and says she's proud to represent her Chinese mother and Indian father. She sees it as the best of both worlds. There's a slogan in Malaysia where we call it one Malaysia where all ethnic groups are harmonious together you know living together in peace and harmony. More than 100 international students from 31 countries work together to put on the 48th annual Festival of Nations at Bemidji State University. Diversity is a priority at BSU. Adds so much to the culture here at BSU as well as to the students learning and to their experience you know the world is becoming more and more global and diverse and BSU is reflecting that. Mathews says it's been a blessing exposing other people to her culture and she also learned about accepting other cultures while working on the festival. It's important that we come together and doesn't matter what we can actually work as a team regardless of our skin color. Most of the production was put on by students. They were in charge of everything from the food to the entertainment. The food was popular with the crowd as the lines didn't seem to ever end. On the menu were items such as chicken stew and potato dumplings. Performances throughout the show let students showcase their talents. In some cases students performed in English and in their native language. This year also featured something new, henna tattoos. The festival also allows others to have a different experience. We don't have a lot of diverse activities or students necessarily on campus or showcased on campus and I think it's a wonderful way for us to also recruit. Money raised from the events ticket sales will go back to the international student organization. In Butte Midji, Katie Potter, Lakeland News. And there was also a silent auction that benefits the International Student Scholarship Fund. If you've enjoyed this segment of Lakeland News, please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to Lakeland Public Television.