By NICK McCOY
Tiger Media Network
As Thanksgiving approaches, many Fort Hays students will be heading home over fall break. However, many students on campus are unable to travel home for the holiday.
A large portion of students who will remain in Hays during the break are international students. One of the reasons international students are unable to return home is a lack of transportation.
“It’s often a hurdle for international students,” said Coordinator for International Student Services Marnie Kohl. “Many of them don’t have access to personal vehicles.”
So that begs the question: what exactly can international students do over the break for Thanksgiving?
For one, it’s important to remember that many students from different countries don’t celebrate Thanksgiving, at least not back in their home country.
“Some treat it as a regular day,” Kohl said. “Some international students do embrace Thanksgiving traditions, making it their own by sharing food and costumes from their own cultures.”
With the free time offered by the break and the different ways these students may or may not celebrate Thanksgiving, there are some options available for these students for the holiday.
“They can organize their own Friendsgiving events, bringing dishes from their own countries,” Kohl said. “Some local restaurants also host free Thanksgiving day meals.”
The break also serves as a great way for international students to get together with others, with the faculty taking part as well.
“Some are invited with domestic friends or roommates,” Kohl said. “Some faculty also host students in their home for Thanksgiving.”
With just some of the activities international students can participate in, it’s important to look to the future and understand what the community can do for those who can’t return home.
“Churches, non-profits and community organizations can play a pivotal role in fostering connections with these students,” Kohl said. “They can host engaging and inclusive events, which create a welcoming atmosphere and provide opportunities for cultural exchange and mutual understanding.”