Monday September 8, 2008
Regional Origins
The area was originally settled by Germans and Scandinavians in the late 1800's and this in itself is unique with many areas still celebrating the old world holidays annually. But what really sets Rochester apart is the fact that so many cultures can be found in such a small area.
International City
It is not uncommon to be somewhere in Rochester and hear a wide variety of accents and languages spoken. To the left someone in Arabic is talking, and to the right Russian, and the person you are talking with from the American South. People from nearly every country call Rochester home with some of the largest ethnic backgrounds being Southeast Asian, Arabic, Somali, Eastern European and Latin.
Welcoming All
The city is very successful acclimating new immigrants to the city and helping them feel as comfortable as possible. There are numerous groups that assist newcomers providing many services, such as language lessons.. Each ethnic group in town has a large support network helping newcomers and it isn't long after they arrive that they call Rochester there new home. Thirteen percent of all students in the city are considered international students and speak over 55 different languages. The Rochester education system helps the students superbly to become acclimated to American life and adjust to their new country.This unique blend of cultures offers a unique opportunity for city residents to sample ethnic food and culture everyday - one day you can sample Greek food and the next attend a Hindi screening of the latest film from Baliwood.
Because of this, Rochester shines not only regionally, nor only statewide or nationally, but internationally as a truly diverse community of the 21st century.
