Wichita State boasts different cultures from across the world.

Some students took the opportunity on Tuesday to learn more about one culture in particular — Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Culture Day educated students about the history and traditions of Saudi Arabia, from humble beginnings in 1932 through the thriving, petroleum exporting country it is today.

Attendees could follow photos on poster boards that featured a glimpse of the country’s history. Saudi students explained the significance of each photo and the clear differences between the past and today.

“I think it’s really cool,” sophomore Brooke Adams said. “It was very informative.”

WSU Saudi student Adeeb AlQhtani gave a brief presentation about the history of his country. He said it’s important to inform the WSU community about Saudi culture.

“When I first came here, most of my American friends and the international students had no idea what Saudi Arabia looks like or what we have there,” he said. “Most of them, unfortunately, have bad stereotypes about us, you know, ‘they’re terrorists’ and stuff like that.”

To help overcome these stereotypes and educate students and others on campus about their culture, AlQhtani started having events with his friends by forming the Saudi Student Association.

This was their second event, following the first event held last semester.

“I think it worked,” he said. “People like it and people started changing some bad ideas they already had about Saudi Arabia.”

Students could also experience pieces of Saudi culture through traditional temporary henna tattoos and having their names written in Arabic.

Adams said her favorite part was seeing her friend get a henna tattoo.

“She’s very easily excitable,” she said, laughing.

Adams’s friend, WSU junior Ellie Laves said, “It’s awesome.”