In D.C., in the course of a stroll down the street, you could take a step into a dozen different countries — and if you know where to look, you could get one of the best tastes of international culture. The various local embassies — many of which are in nearby Dupont Circle — are secret sources of exciting and rare programs and events that spread the customs, arts and cuisine of their respective homeland. Whether you are interested in getting in touch with your roots or want to explore a completely new culture, it is likely that the best place to go is the embassy of the country that has piqued your interest.

The events hosted by the embassies are unlike any other cultural event — they are truly authentic reflections of the country they represent. Invitations to events held by the Jamaican Embassy announce their events at times such as “11 p.m. until …” and feature tag lines like “Eat, Dance and Be Merry!” and “We invite you to a holiday appreciation party!” Yet the festivities, although they may seem lighthearted, are extremely patriotic; last month, the embassy hosted an event called “Capture the Spirit of Jamaican Athletes” to honor the accomplishments of international Jamaican athletes.

Programs at the Australian Embassy prove that there’s more to Aussie culture than kangaroos and the outback — their “Gallery @ Embassy” features a variety of art forms straight from “down under.” Currently on exhibit is a collection of ceramics inspired by Australian military history; in the past, they have featured photography, painting and aboriginal artifacts. “People are very interested in the relationship between Australia and the [United States] because the countries are so similar in so many ways,” said Megan Doughty, Public Affairs Officer of the Australian Embassy. “People are very interested in Australian wine,” she added with a laugh.

There is also a section of their Web site devoted to Australian musicians that are touring North America — a great resource both for Aussies looking out for their favorite bands from home, as well as anyone unfamiliar with the music but looking to learn more. “Generally our aim is to target as broad an audience as we possibly can,” Doughty said.

Similarly, the Indian Embassy especially supports native musicians; through their Web site, musicians and performance groups are able to acquire official support from the embassy. Furthermore, the embassy publishes “India Review,” a monthly newsletter available to the public that provides information on different aspects of India.

Although there are many cultural events around D.C., often many colorful and interesting countries are neglected. The embassies offer the perfect chance to experience these cultures that are frequently overlooked. The Indonesian Embassy offers classes in Bahasa Indonesia, the official language of Indonesia, as well as various arts classes such as music, sculpture and dance — opportunities unique to the embassy and not likely to be offered in many other settings.

Also, whereas Latin and South American countries tend to be grouped together in most cultural festivals, going to a particular embassy presents the chance to concentrate on one country and discover how it stands out from its neighbors. While the Chilean Embassy works together with other South American embassies — for example, Chilean painters German Tagle and Joan Belmar were part of a larger exhibition held at the Mexican Cultural Institute — they also hold their own special events. Last fall, they hosted a theater festival to pay tribute to the late Jorge Díaz, the famous Chilean comedy dramatist; Cristian Campos, Cultural Attaché of the Embassy, directed one of the plays himself.

Many student organizations have already begun to take advantage of what the embassies most closely associated to them have to offer. The Georgetown Israel Alliance works very closely with the Israeli Embassy; members are always invited to events at the Embassy, the organization has hosted events there and the two groups collaborate on special events to benefit both sides. “This semester,” GIA Co-President David Denker (SFS ’10) said, “The Embassy of Israel co-sponsored an incredible event featuring Evan Fallenberg, an Israeli author/translator and Georgetown alumnus who recently released his new book Light Fell about sexuality and religion in Israel.”

Similarly, the French Cultural Association has been working to strengthen ties with the French Embassy. “Personally, the Embassy is an incredible resource for Francophones like me,” said FCA president Catherine Regio (COL ’10). The embassy invited members of the FCA to a private screening of French films that were not yet released in the United States. “We got a group of about 10 students to walk over there together,” Regio said. “Our group is particularly lucky since the embassy is close by on Reservoir Road.”

In addition to international film screenings, the French Embassy offers many exclusive opportunities to experience French culture. The Maison Française, the cultural center of the embassy, holds art exhibitions, theatre productions, musical performances ranging from baroque to jazz, lectures and dance classes. In March, the embassy will be hosting its annual Francophone festival, a cultural showcase with food, and music and performances. “We’re hoping to work with Georgetown students who work over there to get members into the event,” Regio said.

Perhaps one of the most popular embassies to hold cultural events is the Swedish Embassy — or the House of Sweden, its cultural center pseudonym. Earlier this month, the embassy hosted the premier party “House of Sweden After Dark,” where the event room of the embassy turned into a trendy nightclub open to the D.C. public, complete with both Swedish music and interactive art exhibits. Additionally, the embassy is currently organizing programs based on Swedish technology and tourism.

With such a surplus of opportunities, it would be a shame to experience only one. Although the events and programs of the embassies may not be advertised in Red Square, they are largely open to the public and, as most are just a GUTS ride away, just as accessible as an on-campus event. Georgetown students pride themselves on their international interests, and culture is a large part of any country’s story. “All politics involvepeople,” Denker said. “People have cultures which significantly affect their thoughts, beliefs and actions. If we want to be world leaders, we have to understand the world.”