Last night at 7, area air waves got an international infusion of music that rocked the globe with the premier of "Culture Shock," a new radio program sponsored by the International Studies Office and WUVA 92.7 Kiss FM.
Initiated by Carolyn Laquatra as part of her six-month internship with the International Studies Office, "Culture Shock" is a program intended to catch the essence of international students.
"The premier will show a little bit of music from various cultures, but in the following weeks we will highlight one culture a week," Laquatra said. "What I'm hoping for is that people will get a better understanding of other students and be intrigued by other cultures."
Third-year College student Mark Obrien who works for WUVA is the on-air personality who did all of the technical coordination.
"When I took my idea to WUVA, Mark just ran with it," Laquatra said. "And the response from international students was incredible."
Each week, one of 15 international students involved with the program will share a little bit of music from his or her country. Afterwards, Obrien will conduct an interview about the students' country and culture.
"Next week is going to be German hip-hop, and in following weeks we'll have a cycle of countries including Haiti, France and the Philippines," Laquatra said. "Students will personally select the music and program the format for the week."
Laquatra said she hopes the program will dispel misconceptions students may have about different cultures and establish a common ground for its listeners.
"Music is a common factor in every country," she said. "The rhythms and words change, but the passion is there for everyone."
With contributions from the student volunteers and the help of WUVA, Laquatra said funding is not a problem.
"WUVA is giving us an hour time slot every Sunday, and the students use their own music for the show each week," she said. "The program is only an investment of time and interest."
According to Laquatra, the program will run throughout the summer and next school year.
"This is a dream come true," she said. "It's going to be wonderful"
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