World Fest Archives

World Fest 2019

A World of Cake
Enjoyed by cultures the world over, cakes are as varied and fascinating as the pastry chefs, home bakers, and street vendors who prepare them. Take your literary sweet tooth on a global tour! Whether you're indulging in Australian pavlova, Japanese mochi, or Italian panettone, it's just not a celebration without cake. Author, industrial designer, and faculty at ArtCenter College of Design, Krystina Castella will talk about her book, "A World of Cake," with 150 irresistible recipes accompanied by mouthwatering photographs and insights into unique cultural traditions. There will be a book signing with "A World of Cake," and a collection of other books by the author will be available at a discounted rate. Cash only, please.

Christmas in the Philippines
With festivities starting around September, the Philippines celebrates the longest Christmas season in the world! Come to hear two different perspectives on Filipino Christmas traditions from members of the Caltech and JPL International Offices staff, Joan Cerera and Iran Carranza.

International Food Fair and Culture Show
For $5 (cash), enjoy a taste of the world! Food provided by Caltech student clubs, staff, and community volunteers. From 5:30 - 6:00 PM, enjoy a variety of instrumental, vocal, dance and other cultural performances.

Water World: Water, Energy and Education in Africa
For many years, Caltech alum, Dr. Adrian Hightower (BS '95, PhD '01) applied his passion for renewable energy by leading student trips to Africa to install solar panels. In addition to overseeing all water-related education outreach programs, events and curriculum at the Metropolitan District of Southern California, he conducts international research and facilitates entrepreneurial activities addressing Sustainability, Renewable Energy and the Water-Energy Nexus. Join us as Dr. Hightower discusses how he uses his expertise to help rebuild sustainable communities in West and East Africa.

Exploring Chilean Patagonia
The Chilean Patagonia region is a wild, untamed landscape famed for towering mountain peaks, elusive wildlife and captivating scenery that switches between deserted grasslands, groaning glaciers and silent, shimmering lakes. Learn about the unique offerings of Chile's new Pumalin National Park and Patagonia National Park, the largest donation of private land to a government in history, as well as the beautiful Torres Del Paine National Park. Presented by Caltech alum and postdoc, Cristian Peña Herrera (PhD '16), and Camila Fernandez, Caltech Y Student Program Coordinator.

World Fest 2018

New Zealand Revealed
Journey to the Land of the Long White Cloud, where you will encounter breathtaking natural wonders: rainforests, volcanoes, deserts, alpine terrain and an extensive coastline. Learn about the unique offerings of both New Zealand's main islands, and the people and cultures that enliven them. Presented by graduate students and New Zealanders Akshay Sridhar and Joel Lawson.

Intersectionality Explored
In honor of Gaypril and World Fest, the Caltech Center for Diversity's STEMinar speaker will lead us in a discussion of the intersectionality of identities, sexual orientation, and nationality. Presented by Fred Farina, Chief Innovation and Corporate Partnerships Officer at Caltech.

Redefining Women in Saudi Arabia
Hear first-hand about how changes in Saudi Arabia are creating opportunities for women in the Kingdom. Graduate student Zainab Al Saihati will share her personal story while dispelling stereotypes and misconceptions.

Striving for Sustainability in China
Learn about green initiatives and innovations taking place in China's rural provinces to improve the quality of life while preserving cultural heritage. Presented by graduate students, Yu Su and Jinglin Huang, whose project was funded by the Caltech Y's ACT Award (Advocating Change Together), which challenges students to grow into responsible citizens of the world.

World Fest 2017

Tea Culture
Known for its health benefits and wide variety of flavors, tea has been a favorite drink across cultures around the world. Which teas do you like best? Stop by for a taste test, and take the Tea Culture Quiz for a chance to win a prize. Teas generously provided by Tea Rose Garden of Pasadena.

My Iran
See Iran for the first time through the eyes of Caltech students and postdocs who will share stories and images of their homeland. Presented by Ben A. Haghi, Dr. Azadeh Ansari, Dr. Shahrzad Roshankhah, Dr. Amir Safaripour, and Dr. Faramarz Vafaee.

In Focus: International Photography Exhibit + Opening Reception
Photographer Christophe Marcade knows what it's like to travel across the world for the sake of a spouse's career. A passionate storyteller, Christophe turned his camera to spouses of Caltech postdocs capturing beautiful portraits and stories of the lives they lead in the U.S. and of the lives they left behind in their home countries. Join us for this special artist's reception, with guest speakers Christophe Marcade and Monika Koenig, president of the Caltech International Spouses Club.

World Feast: an International Food Fair and Culture Show
For just $5 a plate, enjoy a taste of the world! Food provided by Caltech student clubs, staff, and community volunteers. Enjoy a variety of instrumental, vocal, dance and other cultural performances from 5:30 - 6:00 PM. There is no fee to enjoy the Culture Show.

Humanitarian Landscapes
Protracted international crises result in temporary refugee camps that often become permanent urban environments. Learn about a development project to support creating green spaces in a refugee camp in southern Lebanon. Presented by Claudia Martinez Mansell, humanitarian worker, independent researcher and visiting lecturer at Caltech.

World Fest 2016

Coffee Culture
People around the world have embraced coffee, and the culture of coffee, for centuries. What fuels coffee's global popularity? How does coffee impact local and global economies? Which coffees do you like best? Stop by for a coffee taste test, and take the Coffee Culture Quiz for a chance to win a prize. Featuring Jones Coffee Roasters of Pasadena.

Born on a Kibbutz
Ever wonder what it's like to grow up on a kibbutz? Come learn some of the history and evolution of this communal child rearing system in Israeli society, and find out what it was like to be raised on a kibbutz in the 1980s. Presented by Matan Banaji-Gal.

International Food Fair
For just $5, enjoy a taste of the world. Food provided by over 20 Caltech student clubs.

Beyond Cinco de Mayo: A Journey Through Mexico's Rich Cultural Heritage
Experience Mexico's millennial history, vibrant culture and exquisite foods in ways that reveal a diverse and dynamic country. Presented by Palas Atenea Policroniades Borraz, Corporate Partnerships Officer with the Office of Technology Transfer and Corporate Partnerships.

Exploring Modern Day South Africa: Social Inequality & Consequences
Since the end of Apartheid 20 years ago, access to housing, education, and healthcare has become more disparate between socioeconomic classes in South Africa. Hear lessons learned about cultural awareness and sensitivity from a Caltech student's two-week study abroad opportunity in Cape Town. Presented by Halston Lim, recipient of a Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship. Introduction by Eva M. Graham, Ed.D., Director, Underrepresented and Underserved Student Programs and Services, Caltech Center for Diversity.

World Fest 2015

What the World Eats
Interactive opportunity to learn about what we eat around the world. How does culture impact food choice, and how does food impact culture? Be sure to take the "What the World Eats" quiz for your chance to win a special prize.

Entrepreneurship in Guatemala
Undergraduates Aashrita Mangu, Amy Hu, and Sharon Wang joined over 300 participants from 18 countries at MIT's Global Startup Workshop in Guatemala City for three days of discussions, competitions, and innovation. Join these next-generation entrepreneurs as they discuss their experiences and insights.

Top Ten Things I Learned in India
Undergraduates Boyu Fan, Emil Khabiboulline, and Zofii Kaczmarek share memories and insights from their 10-day trip to India. The group explored India's emerging identity as a nation through a partnership between Caltech Y, SURF and the Indian Institute of Technology, Gandhinagar (IITGn).

International Food Fair & Culture Show
For just $5, enjoy a taste of the world. Cultural entertainment will be held on multiple stages throughout the event.

The French Connection
Bet you didn't know Caltech Recruiting Coordinator, Anastascia Terrell, lived in France and taught English for two years. Come hear her stories of living in a new culture, travel experiences around Europe, and expert tips on budget travel.

World Fest 2014

International Games
Enjoy festive music and games from around the world.

Iberian Passage to Africa
SanPietro Travel Prize winners Sam Szuflita and Stanford Schor share tales of adventure from their 21 day sojourn from Spain to Morocco.

I've Been Everywhere, Man
Bet you didn't know that Caltech Security Training Officer, Jesus Luna, traveled the world as a Delta Airlines flight attendant! Come hear his top ten globetrotting tips. Lunch provided

International Food Fair & Culture Show
For just $5, sample foods from around the world. After eating, stay to see traditional dances, hear exotic instruments, and view colorful fashions from around the world.

Cooking Demonstrations
Learn how to cook home-style food from around the world. There will be cooking demonstrations in three different kitchens across campus. Enjoy preparing a French, Korean, or Vietnamese dish together in a small, causal setting.

World Fest 2013

Calligraphy and Tea
Enjoy festive music, tea tasting, and the art of calligraphy.

Adventures in Arabia
Take a journey to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia with Jarrid Whitney, Executive Director of Undergraduate Admissions and Financial Aid.

Students in the South Korean Army
Caltech undergraduate students from South Korea share stories from their required two-year service in the military.

French Movie Night
Join the Caltech French Club as they show "Moliere," a clever period comedy about a brilliant playwright. In French with English subtitles.

In Their Own Words, International Student GAYPRIL Panel
Caltech international students share their experiences and thoughts about culture and sexual orientation. Moderated by Portia Harris, Center for Diversity.

World Fest 2012

Godong Korean Drumming
Godong is a traditional Korean percussion club at Caltech. "Godong" translates to "drum dance" and the group performs traditional folk music originating from rural areas of Korea. Enjoy their festive rhythms while learning about the history of the music and instruments.

Tea Tuesday
A member of the Caltech community takes you on an historical journey about tea, through India, Sri Lanka, China, Pakistan and England. Stay and enjoy a tasting of teas from around the world. Presented by Vikas Trivedi.

Journey to India
This past December, the Caltech Y partnered with SURF and the Indian Institute of Technology, Gandhinagar (IITGn) in a wonderful new program called India-ki-Khoj, or "In Search of India." Ten undergraduate students participated in a 12-day trip to India, joined by IITGn students. The group explored India's emerging identity as a nation in all of its complexities – particularly in the context of its history, traditions, culture, and vision for the future.

Escape from Leipzig: Iron Curtain Adventure & Science Policy
Visiting professor, author and internationally known physicist Harald Fritzsch recounts his non-violent protests as a college student in 1960's East Germany and eventual escape to the West across the Black Sea in a canoe. Professor Fritzsch describes how communist authorities attempted to turn students and scientists into spies and informants to the secret police. After the reunification of Germany, professor Fritzsch helped then Chancellor of Germany, Helmut Kohl, to reform the universities and research institutes in East Germany.

View photos of the 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011 World Fest celebrations.