Celebrating Culture Through Cuisine at GFU's Global Village Club

Reported by Jayden Forsyth

Photo by Luci Lettau

Among the vibrant cultural clubs at George Fox University (GFU)—such as the Latinx Heritage Club, the Black Student Union, the Fusion Asian & Asian American Club, the Hawaii Club, and the Women of Color Collective—one stands out in its approach: the Global Village. This club brings students together over a universally loved activity: sharing food.

While Global Village is a social and cultural club like many others, it emphasizes the preparation and sharing of foods from various cultures. Students are encouraged to bring their dishes, creating a shared experience that promotes cultural appreciation through taste.

On its official Instagram account, @gfu_globalvillage, Global Village defines itself as “A club that creates a space for international + multicultural students, and introduces all students to celebrate culture through food and activities.” Led by President Javier Broach, this organization has been active since 2022, hosting numerous gatherings that foster community through cultural cuisine. For many, food is an entryway to exploring the broader aspects of culture.

Recently, Global Village hosted a “Candy From Around the World” event on October 29, just in time for Halloween. Students brought sweets from their heritages, showcasing treats from countries including Russia, Italy, Mexico, Thailand, Colombia, and Switzerland. The club has previously celebrated other cultures, hosting a “Korean Night,” where students enjoyed traditional dishes like Hwachae and Jeon, learned basic Korean phrases, and participated in games. Earlier in the semester, on September 11, the club held a “World Cup” event, drawing 60 attendees to enjoy tacos, tortilla chips, and sodas.

Global Village also collaborates with other GFU clubs to deepen connections. On February 14, they partnered with the Latinx Heritage Club and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes to host a bilingual worship service at Canyon Commons. An attendee noted, “The Holy Spirit went wild.” Global Village captioned their Instagram post for the event with “New year, same Jesus,” highlighting the steadfast love they celebrate together.

With multiple events each semester and strong attendance, Global Village offers an opportunity for students to connect across cultures, enjoy diverse foods, and build a vibrant community. Indeed, Global Village is the perfect place for those seeking fellowship and a taste of different cultures.