The many flags Tusculum College displays in its Niswonger Commons have been increased, with new flags of country's representing the college's foreign students added in a ceremony.

Five new flags were added to those that represent current students and alumni. The ceremony was held last Friday as part of the College's "International Education Week" activities.

Tusculum College currently has 38 flags representing current and former students, including the five added in the ceremony.

Students currently enrolled at the college come from Canada, Brazil, Britain, Argentina, England, Germany, Guatemala, Venezuela, Croatia, Honduras, Sweden, Taiwan and the Ukraine.

The five new flags added represent students from Chile, Finland, Israel, Serbia and Switzerland.

An additional flag for the Dominican Republic will be added later in the year, as a student from that country was recently identified, according to Bonnie Taylor, student life coordinator at the college and coordinator of the International Education Week events.

As part of the ceremony, which included several of the college's international students, senior Estefania Chavez of Honduras spoke to the group about attending Tusculum College and her experiences as an international student.

"I appreciate Tusculum and all the faculty and staff that have made it feel like home," she said. She added that in addition to her education, she has learned a lot about American culture and the cultures of the other international students she has come to know.

Brooke Haymaker, vice president of the Student Government Association, also spoke and talked about how the international community at Tusculum really provides a diversity not found in other places. He said, "Tusculum gives you not only an academic, but also a cultural education."

Also speaking were sisters Mary Ann and Adriana Vizcarrondo of Venezuela. Mary Ann, a senior business major, told the group that Tusculum College was a good choice for her. "I like the small environment. Everyone is very supportive and made the transition very easy."

Adriana, a junior business and economics major, agreed. "There was a culture shock at first, but the students here are very open to cultural differences."

International Education Week was held at the college during the week of Nov. 9, and included events such as programs focused on world religions and a sushi-making course.