Introduction to Indian Culture at UCF
University of Florida is an institution that promotes and imbibes international cultures to make their students feel at home. It has an International Center that ensures comprehensive assistance to its foreign student population. The University thus stands as an embodiment of academic versatility, socio-cultural assimilation, and career acceleration.
This university has established an Indian Student Association at UCF, specifically for Indian students looking for a rich study abroad experience. The ISA organizes courses, events, and social gatherings to maintain the prominence of Indian customs on campus.
Indian Student Association at UCF
Sangam is the Indian Student Association at UCF and provides a means for Indian students to bond. Sangam works toward preserving and promoting Indian culture and heritage through a host of activities. Sangam hosts festivals, cultural nights, workshops, and socials. Through these, students can celebrate their traditions and share them with others in the university.
Sangam also helps new students acclimate to college life at UCF by being there with orientation programs and networking opportunities. It provides a homely environment to Indian students studying abroad and makes them feel at home. Their work in raising awareness of culture and unity makes Sangam integral to UCF.
Diwali: Festival of Lights
One of the more interesting festivals at UCF is Diwali, the Festival of Light. The event features traditional lamp lighting and is furnished with cultural performances coupled with a large feast. Beautiful lights adorn the university campus as students come together to celebrate the victory of light over darkness.
A Spectacular Diwali Celebration at UCF
Last semester, on November 4, 2023, the Indian Student Association at the University of Central Florida (UCF) had an amazing event to celebrate the Festival of Lights, also known as Diwali. They had Bollywood dances, music, and games to make the night fun.
They decorated the Grand Pegasus Ballroom with lots of bright colors for the Diwali celebration. Diwali, the Festival of Lights, symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.
The Bollywood-Hollywood theme with shiny colors and glittering lights, carrying the most iconic “Om Shanti Om” backdrop on stage, cherished the grandiose of Indian Cinema and the fusion of cultures.
Another highlight was the food. The attendees enjoyed a wide spread of Indian delicacies ranging from savory samosas to sweet gulab jamuns.
Cultural Workshops and Seminars
Besides festival celebrations, UCF organizes other cultural workshops and seminars to teach the students Indian traditions, dance forms, art, and how to cook. These programs help these students to understand and appreciate their roots much better.
Workshops focusing on various forms of classical dances are conducted in order to teach and train interested students in indigenous classical Indian dance forms.
Cooking classes showcasing the multifariousness of Indian cuisine give students a taste of the richness in the making of the popular Indian dishes. These dishes are from a few that they have always relished, like samosas or gulab jamuns. The seminars on Indian history and literature present interesting facts about the rich cultural heritage of India.
Conclusion
Indian festivals celebrated on campus at UCF help Indian students retain their cultural ties and thus add to the diversity of campus life. UCF provides a nurturing environment, and the Indian Student Association does an admirable job in celebrating all these festivals amidst a lot of enthusiasm and fun.
Therefore, UCF has become a second home for Indian as well as all international students. Diwali is one such festive occasion celebrated with festive decorations, scrumptious food, and dynamic performances as a way of instilling pride in the cultural heritage of the students and introducing their heritage to other students.
All these activities bring fun not only to Indian students at UCF but also make everybody learn and appreciate different cultures, creating a friendly atmosphere for all students at the university.
Are you keen to experience India’s rich culture while pursuing education abroad? Sign up with HelloUni today and let us assist you throughout your international education process. Start your global journey with HelloUni now!
FAQs
Is the University of Central Florida good?
Central Florida is a highly-rated public university located in Florida. It is a large institution with an enrollment of 41,098 undergraduate students. Admissions are fairly competitive, as the Central Florida acceptance rate is 41%.
Is the University of Florida good for Indian students?
University of Florida is considered to be one of the most affordable universities in Florida for Indian students. The tuition fee is estimated at 23.92 lakhs INR per year for undergraduate programs and 25.15 lakhs INR for graduate programs.
How many international students at University of Central Florida?
By enrollment of students, UCF is the largest university in Florida. UCF is home to more than 3,400 international students from 137 countries around the world.
Does the University of Central Florida accept international students?
Home to students from more than 150 countries, UCF welcomes the perspective and diversity that international students bring to our campus.
What is the entrance exam for UCF?
All freshmen must submit an official SAT, ACT or CLT score — they must be reported directly to the university electronically or via U.S. mail. For international students, the TOEFL or the IELTS exam may also be required.
