Small Market, Big Variety: A Cultural Experience
September 5, 2022
The first time I walked into the International Market in Carbondale, Illinois, I felt very emotional. It was my first week in the United States and first time away from my family, and seeing all the traditional global products, spices and drinks such as mint water and rose water made me feel less homesick and truly warmed my heart. Many international students share the same story.
Many people from different backgrounds, local and international, visit the International Market to find unique products.
Nilanjana Bardhan, a former SIU faculty member from India says going to this store is a regular part of her routine and she added that this store is a very comfortable place to shop and the staff are very helpful and friendly.
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“I’m just so glad we have a place like this here because Carbondale has a really large international population and it just gives you a sense of belonging,” Bardhan says.
The environment of the market is cozy, compact and filled with many colorful products.
The International Market has a variety of products from Asia, the Middle East, Mexico and many other locales.
Leslie Lloyd, a former SIU faculty member, says she is very pleased with the store and she can find things here that are not available elsewhere locally.
“Without this shop, we can’t get things that are unique from other cultures,” Lloyd said
No matter where you come from you can find something between the snuggly placed shelves of this International Market.
Staff photographer Saba Saboor Rooh Mofrad can be reached at [email protected] or on instagram @ssaboor_.
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