Park International Club is a student organization at Park University that plans events, holds weekly meetings and raises awareness for inclusion of international and domestic students.

It was started by Ikem Eriobuna when he was an undergraduate student. The club aims to help international students acclimate to a new environment, whether it is their first time at a university or their first time in the United States.

“My mission statement is to make the United States feel like home to our Park international students and our domestic students as well,” said Eriobuna.

Eriobuna is the president of the club and is now pursuing his master’s degree in business administration. When he first moved to the U.S., Eriobuna did not know anyone and had a hard time getting acquainted with his environment and school. His goal with the club is to make sure no one else feels the same way.

Every year, PIC holds an international education week at Park University to entertain, educate and inform the Park community about international culture. Throughout the week there are several different events such as lectures, dance parties, movie nights and, finally, the international festival which is held in the underground.

“We celebrate that Park touches every aspect of our globe; that the experiences of the world have a place in our community, and that we are richer as a result,” said Park President Greg Gunderson, Ph.D., at last year’s international festival.

For Michael House, a student adviser and international program coordinator, being involved in the PIC was a way to help international students have a voice on campus.

“I have always had a heart for internationalization,” said House. “I am getting to meet people from all over the world and help our international students have a voice on campus.”

PIC has already hosted events like a trip to the Plaza Art Fair, a welcome back bonfire, and a fundraiser. In the future they are planning an international education week, as well as a welcome back bash for the spring semester.