By Angie Ramirez 

As the spring semester begins to settle in among students, many organizations start to create events and give students an opportunity to take a break from the hard work they have been doing so far. Several events are created to bring the student body together and socialize with one another.  This was the case with the World of Coffee and Tea where students took the opportunity to try something new. 

The annual World of  Coffee and Tea event is a joint collaboration between the Office of International Students and Scholars’ International Culture Team and Global Series, which works with University Housing. This year will be the event’s fourth annual World of Coffee and Tea event. Cynthia Smith, assistant director for engagement for the International Students and Scholars, said she was excited to host it again on campus. 

“It gives me joy of people visiting this event,” Smith said. “It’s been a rich and meaningful event each year, so we are so happy that we can bring it back to campus once again.” 

Holcombe Hall opened its doors once again for the event Wednesday, Feb. 5. Students and faculty had the opportunity to meet and chat with the participants of the event about their coffees and teas and try the different flavors from around the world. The event was from 6 to 7 p.m.

Luis Negrete Becerra, one of the event organizers, explained the process of the event planning. 

“We reached out to a couple of different students who attend the University of Arkansas, and we asked them to volunteer and if they were able to showcase the coffee and tea of their selection,” Becerra said. “We were able to obtain 15 countries, and then we asked about the ingredients they needed.” 

The 15 countries were the United States, Nigeria, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Tunisia, Panama, Japan, Vietnam, Costa Rica, Egypt, Iran, Ghana, Uganda and Uruguay. Each country represents a great number of the student body at the University of Arkansas. They also sourced coffee and tea from around the area such as Onyx Coffee Lab and ordered several online. 

“We have students from over 100 countries on campus,” Smith said. “Sharing tea and coffee culture from these countries will help others who visit the event to see some of the hidden diversity on campus.” 

The World of Coffee and Tea event’s main goal is to have many students attend and meet with others who are from different countries. It is a chance to learn about the people who are on the same campus as each other and get to know about their culture and how it is distinct from others.

“I hope that this will be a great opportunity for the U.S. and international community to come together through this event,” Smith said. “I hope that it breaks down barriers between cultures as we learn from each other over a common love for different types of coffee and tea.” 

Many students on campus have a love for coffee. Many drink coffee to continue with their classes or for a late-night study. At the event, students socialized with one another while tasting the new coffee and tea the event provided. 

A freshman from the university, Isabel Salazar shared she liked how the university represented the international students and was excited to learn more about the cultures. 

“I think it’s important for students to represent their culture because it shows people who have never been out of the country about the different cultures and religions,” Salazar said. “It also gives students experience with other cultures by participating in events like these to get a well-rounded college experience.” 

Salazar enjoyed her time at the event. She expressed she was excited to see the herbal teas that the event would offer and try the ones she had never had. 

On the day, Salazar tried the various options of herbal tea. She was excited to see the way every culture made their coffees and teas. She also expressed her wonder about how the ingredients contribute to it. 

The event had Holcombe Hall’s living room space full as students went around the room to try the options that were provided to them. While receiving their coffee or tea, students engaged in conversation, conversing about how the coffee or tea was made and where it was from. 

“This event allows students and scholars to share something that they enjoy and are proud of their country,” Smith said. “It helps them feel connected to back home while feeling connected to and welcomed at the U of A.” 

Events such as the World of Coffee and Tea bring the community of the University of Arkansas closer despite the different backgrounds everyone has and allows people to connect through shared experiences.