The Office of International Engagement hosted a Thanksgiving Celebration November 17 for international students at Illinois State University. Students were invited to try some traditional Thanksgiving food offerings, including green bean casserole, mashed potatoes and gravy, sage dressing, and, of course, turkey! This was an opportunity for international students, staff, and other community members to come together prior to the University’s fall break and celebrate fellowship and culture.
Darcy Allred, graduate assistant for the International Pathways Study Corner and treasurer for the TRIBE student organization, provided a presentation on the “North American Indigenous Perspectives on Thanksgiving.” The month of November is Native American Heritage Month, and part of this program was intended to educate international students on the historical context of the holiday.
For international students, whose closest family members are often thousands of miles away, fall break can often be a very lonely time of year. “We are fortunate to have a number of great families and organizations within the community that host international students during these times when most students are away from campus,” said Matt Schwab, program director for the International House program. “Students can get connected with one of these groups or take part in other community events like Friendsgiving, which is sponsored by University Housing Services.”
International students looking to get connected with these organizations are encouraged to reach out to the Office of International Engagement at InternationalEngagement@IllinoisState.edu.
