International Students and Families Ready to Share Thanksgiving

With Thanksgiving coming in just a few weeks, some Seton Hall families are getting ready to welcome international students into their homes to enjoy one of the country’s most beloved traditions. After pausing during the pandemic, the Holiday Dinner Program returns this year, with support from the Office of International Programs.

OIP invites staff, faculty and alumni to volunteer to participate by signing up here to be a host family this Thanksgiving. Students who are interested in being matched with a family may contact OIP. "Our goal is for Pirate families to share in friendship and cross-cultural learning through this traditional American holiday," explains Katsumi Kishida, director of international student services at Seton Hall.

The program provides an opportunity for international students to experience Thanksgiving and for Seton Hall community members to host students from around the world. "Over the years, my family has had a wonderful experience sharing our Thanksgiving celebration with some amazing Seton Hall students from Russia and China," says Linda Karten, senior director of strategic marketing. "It’s always exciting for us to make new friends and to introduce them to the simple, yet meaningful, traditions we cherish."

There are over 230 international students who attend Seton Hall in both our graduate and undergraduate programs. Students hail from countries around the world including China, India, Ghana, Nigeria, and Russia. They are studying for degrees in business, international relations, health sciences, professional psychology and other areas.

"As the world reopens following the pandemic, we are thrilled to see a renewed interest in Seton Hall among international students who want to study here and experience our campus and the wider community," explains Mary Kate Naatus, Ph.D., Assistant Provost and Dean of Continuing and Professional Education. Naatus, who has been overseeing an expansion of the university’s international partnerships and global offerings, will be sharing Thanksgiving with a few visiting students this year. "I’m looking forward to introducing my own family to the wonderful students we have here at Seton Hall. It’s going to be a special day for all of us."

Seton Hall community members are invited to sign up for the Holiday Dinner Program by Sunday, 11/5.  Students who would like to join a host family on Thanksgiving Day may contact Katsumi Kishida in the Office of International Programs.

OIP will be connecting students with their host families by early November.

Categories: Alumni, Arts and Culture, Nation and World