The Asian community is deeply seated in tradition, and several groups around the Wichita State campus are working together this week to share their culture with students.

“There is a lack of intercultural communication between the students,” Justin Hall, President of Ambassadors for Multicultural Affairs, said.

Several Asian groups are participating in Asian Awareness Week to overcome that lack of communication.

“There are so many more groups reaching out,” senior Kim Wong said.

The events taking place throughout this week include an informational table set up outside of Ablah Library, an Asian market from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on the lawn west of the Heskett Center, guest speakers from the Asian-American community and an open discussion about Asian stereotypes.

The stereotype that Asians are smarter or study harder is sure to be discussed.

“In Taiwanese culture, our parents pressure us a lot more into getting good grades,” Tony Chao, activity coordinator for the Taiwanese Student Organization, said. However, he said when students come to study in the United States, “they don’t feel as much pressure in education.”

“Language and communication with classmates and teachers in lectures is hard for us,” Alice Lin, vice president of the Taiwanese Student Association, said. “Cultural values are different, too. Our values are different from even the Taiwanese students who grew up in America.”

The Asian market on Wednesday will provide students with the opportunity to experiment with foods from the Taiwanese culture, and buy some traditional Taiwanese toys.

The week of events comes to a close with the “Go Viral” talent show put on by the Asian Student Conference. The free show, which will feature singing and acting in the native languages of the performers, is set for 7 p.m. Friday at the Campus Activities Center Theater.

The students involved hope the events help bridge the gaps among the different cultures around campus, in addition to getting people out of their comfort zones by trying something they may not have otherwise.

This will be the first year for the celebration, but with everything that the different organizations have planned, there is promise for it to be done again next year.

“Come out to the events, get out of your comfort zone, and experience something new,” Hall said.