Market Hall had a noticeably more international feel last week.

Flags representing more than 100 countries hung from the rafters, the atmosphere filled with the temptation of international cuisine and a cultural exhibition took shape for the Celebration of Nations.

Brock International Services hosted the annual event Thursday, Feb. 1 to showcase various cultural food, traditions, artifacts and performances for faculty, staff and students.

For many, the event was a learning experience.

Master’s students Andrei Solodinin from Russia and Sarah Revilla from Mexico said they were intrigued by the display from Ghana showcasing culture, music and an interactive game known as Oware.

Second-year MSc. Mathematics and Statistics student Evans Boadi, who represented Ghana, was proud to educate guests about his homeland, while explaining one of his country’s most popular games.

A strategy game involving pits and pebbles, Oware translates to ‘marriage’ because it’s said that those who are able to play the game endlessly will marry in order to continue playing.

In another exhibit, first-year History student Alim Zaidi set up a display on Pakistan to educate about his country and challenge common misconceptions.

“Most people don’t think of Pakistan when it comes to a prosperous economy, but it is,” said Zaidi, pointing out that the country is often stuck in the shadows of neighbouring India and China.

Third-year Political Science and Labour Studies student Matthew Gerrior said he found the event enlightening.

“As a Political Science major, learning about so many countries in a short period of time was invaluable,” he said.

He was most surprised by Malaysia, learning about the country’s geography and cultural history from Brock International Ambassador Yi Xiang Chen, a second-year Business Administration student. With a tropical climate, countless islands and some of the world’s best beaches, many left the Celebration of Nations event with Malaysia high on their vacation bucket list.