Asian Culture Center welcomes students back

Guests at IU’s Asian Culture Center’s informal open house will get the chance to meet new people and learn about the ACC while eating warm soup and dumplings.

The event begins at 5 p.m. Friday at the ACC, located at 807 E. 10th St.
“There will be no formal program,” ACC director Melanie Castillo-Cullather said. “It will just be a chance to become familiar with what we do at the Asian Culture Center. For newcomers, hopefully it will not be the only time they attend, and, for returning students, there will be a lot of volunteer opportunities for the future.”

According to the ACC website, more than 2,500 Asian and Asian-Pacific American students attend IU.

Like the rest of the IU student body, Asian students face common challenges in adjusting to university life and finding friends with shared values, which can be further complicated by language barriers.

Fortunately, for students with language troubles, the ACC has resources
available.

“There is an English tutorial service every day from 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.,” Castillo-Cullather said. “We have student volunteers from Kelley, the journalism school and the anthropology department, and you don’t have to make an appointment — just come with your homework. It is a good opportunity for volunteers, too, because they can put teaching experience on their resume.”

In addition to educational services, the ACC serves as a space to unwind and indulge in the relaxing practices of other cultures.

“Every Monday is a free henna session, and Friday is a time to unwind with calligraphy lessons and mahjong,” Castillo-Cullather said. “We want students to feel at home and open to new things.”

Sarah Moon, graduate student assistant for ACC, said attendees don’t have to be Asian or Asian-American to attend Friday’s reception or any event at the ACC.

“Our doors are always open, and everyone is welcome,” Moon said. “We are open late, and students are always free to come and get homework help or meet with friends. Don’t be afraid to come and try new things.”

Due to limited space, it is recommended for students to RSVP to the reception at ACC@indiana.edu. More information can be found at iu.edu/~acc.

“We would like the students and the community to know about this resource on campus because not all universities have this amazing resource,” Castillo-Cullather said. “At IU, we recognize the distinct and unique contributions of each cultural center.”