Universities across the US are hosting unique Thanksgiving celebrations for international students. At institutions like Ozarks Technical Community College, Loyola Marymount University, the University of Florida, the University of Delaware, and Northern Illinois University, educators and students are coming together to observe this quintessential American holiday.
Universities across the US are celebrating Thanksgiving, a holiday deeply rooted in American culture, in unique and meaningful ways, bringing together international students far from home.
This year, the traditional celebration of gratitude and togetherness takes on a global dimension as educators and students alike find creative ways to honor the American holiday.
At Ozarks Technical Community College (OTC), English as a Second Language instructor Fran Giglio is hosting a traditional Thanksgiving meal for her 22 international students. Giglio, with three decades of teaching experience, including 20 years at OTC, has prepared a feast that includes turkey, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, cornbread, and pumpkin pie. For many students, like Shan He from China and Luis Hernandez from Venezuela, this is their first experience of Thanksgiving.
Giglio said his class, a part of OTC’s Adult Education & Literacy program, emphasizes not just language skills but also cultural immersion. She helps her students, who meet four days a week, to understand American culture, history, and practical knowledge. Beyond the classroom, Giglio’s dedication is evident in her support for Mya Khin from Myanmar, whom she accompanied to vote for the first time after achieving US citizenship.
Meanwhile, at Loyola Marymount University (LMU), international students hailing from 64 countries form 11 percent of the class of 2026. Far from their families, these students have adopted Thanksgiving to fit their contexts. For instance, Dhruv Kanani from China and Kabir Mirpuri from the Philippines celebrate “Friendsgiving” gatherings, blending international cuisines and creating a home-like atmosphere on campus. Sarah Nguyen from Vietnam, now celebrating with friends at LMU, reflected on her introduction to the holiday through homestays in Seattle.
At the University of Florida, students like Melvin Osei Opoku from Ghana and Eva Frost, an American senior with a global upbringing, shared the challenge of spending Thanksgiving away from family. Opoku, accustomed to the vibrant life in Ghana, found solace in celebrating the holiday with friends and faculty, adapting to American culture. Similarly, Frost, whose parents are stationed in Hong Kong, plans to spend Thanksgiving with friends at the university.
Seyda Naz Alasahin, a doctoral student from Turkey at the University of Delaware (UD), also experienced Thanksgiving on a quiet campus. With nearly 3,000 international students at UD, the Center for Global Programs & Services hosted a Thanksgiving dinner, helping students like Seyda and Nachikaait Chavaan from India to immerse themselves in American traditions while focusing on their academic goals.
Northern Illinois University (NIU) celebrates its 7th annual International Thanksgiving Dinner, which marks the end of International Education Week. Hosted in the Duke Ellington Ballroom, this event brought together about 100 students and faculty. Laurie Elish-Piper, NIU’s interim executive vice president, emphasized the dinner as an opportunity for international students to learn about Thanksgiving. The event featured traditional dishes, accommodating diverse dietary needs, and activities like the “feathers of gratitude,” fostering an environment of thankfulness and cultural education.
These celebrations across various universities highlight a common theme: the resilience and adaptability of international students in the face of homesickness and cultural differences. Educators and university programs play a crucial role in bridging the gap, providing students with a sense of community and a deeper understanding of American culture. As Thanksgiving approaches, these institutions stand as beacons of inclusivity and global unity, demonstrating how a traditional American holiday can transcend borders and create new traditions.
