Written by Ava Sokich | November 26, 2024 | SHARE
Lehigh University celebrated cultural exchange and community building with a Friendsgiving event that introduced its international community to Thanksgiving traditions
Lehigh University's Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) and Office of International Affairs (OIA) welcomed international students, faculty, and staff to a Friendsgiving celebration on Nov. 21.
The event, aimed at fostering community and cultural exchange, featured a traditional Thanksgiving meal and provided attendees an opportunity to experience an iconic American holiday while connecting with peers.
"This is an opportunity for our international community to experience a traditional American meal and build relationships with one another," said Patricia Goldman, Assistant Director of International Student Engagement. “The event was designed to create a welcoming space where everyone could come together in the spirit of celebration.”
For many attendees, this was their first exposure to Thanksgiving traditions. Jeremy Sol, an international student in his first year of graduate school, appreciated the cultural exchange.
“What I enjoy most about this event is learning about different traditions and meeting people from various countries,” he said.
Other participants remarked on the similarities between Thanksgiving and celebrations in their home countries.
“Thanksgiving reminds me of festivals back home where we come together as a family to celebrate,” said Jasreen Kaur, a graduate student. “It’s different, of course, but it’s a nice cultural experience.”
Friendsgiving dinner included classic dishes like roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, and pie. Many attendees shared their excitement about trying these quintessential American foods for the first time. Some also reflected on how the event allowed them to bond with others over shared meals, a tradition that transcends cultural boundaries.
The event wasn't limited to students. Faculty and staff also joined the festivities, emphasizing the inclusivity of the gathering. “This isn’t just about food—it’s about building connections and celebrating diversity,” Goldman said.
For many, Friendsgiving served as a heartwarming reminder of the importance of community and cultural appreciation, especially during the holiday season.
“It’s really nice to see how Lehigh supports its international community during this time of year when there are many holidays,” said Kaur.
Friendsgiving was an event that was part of a broader series of activities organized by OISS and OIA to promote cultural exchange during International Education Week. IEW is a week-long celebration of global education and exchange at Lehigh University this month.
OIA hosted several IEW events throughout the week, starting with the annual Flag Parade and IEW Kick-Off Event. Keynote remarks were delivered by Karin Fischer, one of the nation’s leading reporters on international education.
Lehigh also released its global data reports, in conjunction with the nationwide release of the Open Doors 2024 Report on International Educational Exchange. A record-high 1.1 million international students were enrolled in U.S. institutions in the 2023-24 academic year, and at Lehigh, 989 international students were enrolled from 91 countries this academic year.