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    International Students Enjoy Thanksgiving: “A Meaningful Holiday”

    Students from France to Japan to Vietnam Share Traditional Feast at CU Denver

    Dec 3, 2015
    students having a Thanksgiving meal together

    A diverse group of international students from countries around the world – China, Nepal, Turkey, Thailand, Ukraine, France, Burundi, and Vietnam – joined faculty and American friends to celebrate a traditional American holiday feast at this year’s International Student Thanksgiving Lunch, hosted by the Office of International Affairs, University of Colorado Denver. The event, organized by Aditi Nigudkar, a graduate student at CU Denver’s Business School and student assistant in International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS), gave students a chance to learn more about the history of the national holiday, socialize, and celebrate the season.

    “I think this is a very meaningful festival,” said Stella Zhao, a graduate student from Beijing, China, who is studying mathematics at CU Denver.

    Karthik, a graduate student who is earning her master’s in informational systems, enjoyed attending the event for the second year in a row. Accompanying her were Monish, and friends Lakshmi Muddana, Kurthi Varsha-Kattiju, and Sravya Mandava, all from India. This was the first holiday lunch for the rest of the group, and they were all eager to learn more about the cultural background and meanings behind the traditions.

    turkey poster.2015Students took turns “striking a pose” with props at the event’s photo booth and creating cookie and icing “miniature turkeys”. Laughter rang out during the guesses voiced during the Thanksgiving trivia game. A large Thanksgiving poster was available and many students posted paper leaves with their own messages about what they were thankful for this year.

    Sai Latha Suresh a graduate student in computer science, noted that she was thankful for Colorado’s “mesmerizing fall colors.” She chose to enroll at CU Denver after hearing about the exciting programs offered by the university, and the city life of Denver, through a family friend who works as a professor.

    John Sunnygard, Executive Director of the Office of International Affairs, and Michelle Larson-Krieg, Director of International Student and Scholar Services, presented commentaries about Thanksgiving’s meaning for their own families. For John Sunnygard, Thanksgiving meant “coming together to share a culture over food” while also getting to know one another. Michelle Larson-Krieg spoke about her three most memorable Thanksgiving events: A ski trip where a steak dinner was served late because the chef had forgotten to turn on the grill, a duck as the main dish rather than the traditional turkey, and the first time she took on the challenge of hosting a large Thanksgiving dinner event at her home.

    More than 120 people attended the lunch, and for organizer Aditi Nigudkar, it was a fun  opportunity that “provided a different experience for international students who had never experienced Thanksgiving before. The occasion also provided a chance for students to learn about a new cultural holiday.”

    LEARN MORE

    For information about the Office of International Affairs, visit online:
    International.ucdenver.edu.

    To learn about visas, immigration, work clinics, and more, go to:
    International.ucdenver.edu/ISSS.

    Categories: International Student & Scholar Services Office of International Affairs |

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    UPDATES

    International College Beijing

    • ICB Students in Front of America Wall Mural

      Year-Round Events Enjoyed By ICB Students

      Aug 31, 2023
      Throughout 2023, ICB students are continuing to join in the fun of indoor and outdoor events hosted by the Office of International Affairs (OIA) and CU Denver. In the spring, two hundred thirty students, staff, faculty, and friends recognized the Lunar New Year at an event presented by OIA, the Asian Students Association (ASA), and the Intercultural Club Beijing. The Club’s members act as consultants for International College Beijing (ICB), both for American CU Denver students going to Beijing on study abroad programs and Chinese students coming to CU Denver.... read more
      Full story
    • International Students at Denver Basketball Game

      Spring in Denver

      Apr 22, 2022
      Spring has arrived in Denver! Blue skies and clean mountain air make it easy for an ICB student to take a study break and step outside for a refreshing walk or bike ride.
      Full story
    • Students Conversing

      Employment & Learning Opportunities at CU Denver

      Apr 22, 2022
      In the Office of International Affairs, ICB student assistants have helped by providing guidance to other international students about the steps needed for application and admission into the university, and supplying information about visas and immigration processes, travel updates.
      Full story
    • Picture of ICB Students at Event

      Art Exhibit Inspires Imagination & Critical Thinking Skills

      Jan 6, 2022
      The ICB students found creative inspiration on a visit to the Spectra Art Space, hosted by the Office of International Affairs, where they particularly enjoyed the Nova Ita exhibit.
      Full story
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