Annual festival showcases MC’s international students

Members of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians' Southern Pine Singers perform during the 2025 International Festival at MC.

International students enrich Mississippi College’s culture in a variety of ways, including by sharing unique aspects of their home customs and traditions with their fellow students.

Through captivating presentations and artistic stage performances, the annual International Festival at MC showcases these students’ immense talents.

Sponsored by MC’s International Institute, the 2026 event is scheduled from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 9, in Nelson Hall’s Swor Auditorium on the Clinton campus.

Richard Ladner, director of the International Institute, said the festival is the largest international event on campus and the institute’s only performance-oriented program.

“Our students come from a variety of cultures, and they are excited to share their traditions with the people of Mississippi,” Ladner said. “It’s a great opportunity for them to demonstrate artistic endeavors they are passionate about. The audience will have a rare opportunity to see performers from so many countries live and in person. It will be a fantastic night.”

The international students will celebrate aspects of their heritage in three-to-five-minute programs that educate audience members about the fashion, music and customs associated with their respective communities. Proceeds from the festival help support international student scholarships at MC.

Timothy Young, a Master of Accountancy student from Kingston, Jamaica, and an MC track and field athlete who will serve as emcee of this year’s event, said the International Festival highlights the international student population at Mississippi College.

“The International Festival is more than just an event: it is an opportunity for students to share a part of who they are with the campus community,” said Young, who serves as president of the International Student Association at MC. “Events like this help build connections, break down cultural barriers and create a stronger sense of unity among students of all backgrounds.

“My favorite aspect of the festival is the cultural exchange – being able to experience different cultures through traditions and perspectives. It’s an important part of MC’s culture because it highlights and celebrates the diversity of our student body. It reflects MC as a global university.”

As in past festivals, this year’s event will include a crowd-favorite fashion show featuring authentic clothing from a variety of countries, student performances, and guest performers, including dancers from Ballet Magnificat in Jackson and the Southern Pine Singers representing the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians in Philadelphia.

“The International Festival is a great way for MC’s international students to continue to forge friendships and relationships with the community,” Ladner added. “It’s also a great way for community members to be exposed to the broader world around them and to witness the broad tapestry of people from different backgrounds at MC.”

Following the festival, audience members will have an opportunity to interact with the performers during a reception in the Nelson Hall lobby. Refreshments will be available.

Tickets to the International Festival cost $10 each for adults, $5 each for students and $25 for families of any size. They may be purchased in advance or at the door. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit mc.edu/international/events/international-festival.