Tailgating, international style

Before the football game on Saturday, the Vietnamese Students Association (VSA) set up a large, white tent in front of Pace Hall for fellow students and fans to experience tailgating, international style.

The VSA brought a taste of authentic Vietnamese food to an American tradition, offering a variety of finger foods, soups, desserts and beverages.

Thuy Nguyen, a junior economics major from Hanoi, Vietnam, and the vice president of VSA, said she hopes the idea of serving international cuisine at a tailgate party will encourage more international and American students to interact with each other.

“This is my first tailgate party,” said Mahonj Yu, a graduate computer science major from Beijing. “I’ve only seen an American football game on TV.”  Yu said the idea of tailgating is an unfamiliar concept, but he likes the idea of American football and the tailgating experience. In addition to the variety of international students at the tailgate party, there were also many Americans enjoying the culture and cuisine of Vietnam.

“My dad lives in the Philippines,” said Timmy Dunkin, a senior political science major from Rehobeth.“So I’ve gone to Vietnam with him before, especially for the food.

“I am impressed with the authenticity of the food and the service provided by the VSA,” Dunkin said.

Jimmy Haddox, a sophomore biomedical sciences major from Dadeville, said his favorite thing about international tailgating is the different food they offer.

“All of the food is great,” said Haddox. “I like how the Vietnamese incorporate coconut in their food.”

The next tailgate will be hosted by the Chinese Students and Scholars Association during homecoming.