Host an International Student for the Holidays: Annual Thanksgiving Dinner

Seton Hall University will once again host its annual Thanksgiving Holiday Dinner, a time that brings together international students to experience a quintessential American holiday in a warm and welcoming environment.

The event, which will take place on Thursday, November 28 and Friday, November 29, provides a home-away-from-home celebration for students who may be far from family during the Thanksgiving break. 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. 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. Volunteers can decide to host either November 28 or November 29 based on their preference indicated on the sign up form.

"Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude and togetherness, and we are thrilled to offer our international students an opportunity to partake in this uniquely American celebration," explains Johanna Pan-Carr, Director of International Student Services at Seton Hall. “For many international students, this is their first Thanksgiving, and it’s a chance for them to share in a meaningful experience with their peers."

The dinner has grown in popularity over the years, with students from across the globe attending to celebrate and create memories with friends and faculty. Host families often bring elements of the student’s own culture to the table, encouraging the sharing of meaningful stories about how gratitude and togetherness are celebrated across the world.

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 250 international students who attend Seton Hall in both our graduate and undergraduate programs. Students hail from countries around the world including China, India, the UK, Argentina, Ghana, Nigeria, Thail and more. They are pursuing degrees in business, international relations, health sciences, professional psychology data science and other areas.

It was an absolute joy to host one of our international graduate students and her family for Thanksgiving last year," says Mary Kate Naatus, Ph.D., Assistant Provost and Dean of Continuing and Professional Education. "We shared a memorable day filled with cultural exchange, warmth, and fun. The Thanksgiving program helps to foster community and connection, especially for students far from home. We encourage the Pirate community to consider participating in this rewarding program this holiday season.”

The Thanksgiving Dinner is more than giving international students a taste of American culture, complete with traditional Thanksgiving dishes such as turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. It’s also an opportunity to give students a glimpse of how U.S. families from all cultures celebrate the holiday of thanks. This event not only introduces students to the customs and spirit of the holiday, but also fosters a sense of community and connection among the diverse student body at Seton Hall.

Seton Hall community members are invited to sign up for the Holiday Dinner Program by Friday, October 25. International students who are interested in being matched with a family for Thanksgiving may RSVP here.

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

Categories: Campus Life, Nation and World