When students from Keele University in England got stuck at Ball State University because of the Icelandic volcano ash emission, it was a natural idea to have a traditional pancake breakfast.
The 11 British students that visited Ball State are part of a cultural exchange program between the universities where they have the opportunity to study the criminal justice system in the United States through Ball State's department of criminal justice.
While they were scheduled to go home April 18, they made the most of their visit, learning about more than the justice system, but also American cuisine.
Shrove Tuesday — or Pancake Day — is an English tradition where pancakes are eaten only once a year. When the students came to Ball State, they made one request for criminal justice Professor Michael Brown: a homemade pancake breakfast.
"When they first got here, they went to the International House of Pancakes and my wife and I continued to hear about pancakes, so we hosted a pancake feast," he said.
Brown said the pancake feast was accompanied with strawberry, apple and whipped cream toppings and syrup.
While being stuck in the U.S. for an extra couple of days doesn't sound like such a great thing, Brown said students were able to form relationships.
"I've seen many friendships develop and two Ball State students plan on studying at Keele next year," he said.
Though the students will be leaving after the ash settles, Brown understands the importance of international programs.
"You get so close to the students through programs like this," he said. "You see the impact of this international experience, and it's these kind of experiences that change lives."
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