Over 150 meals were served to University of Iowa students and members of the surrounding community during the annual Fall Break Meal event on November 25.
The meal offered an opportunity for students who stay in Iowa City during fall break to eat with other students and community members and join in community with each other. It provided a unique chance for international students and scholars on campus to experience traditional fall foods for the first time.
Arathi Ashok is a graduate student from India studying computer science. Last year was her first time attending the event, and this year she decided to become an event volunteer, where she helped to set up and serve meals.
“It felt good to come and have a meal here, so why not volunteer,” remarked Ashok. “Being a part of it as a volunteer seemed more meaningful for me this time. And I enjoyed the meal, too.”
The meal was catered by Hy-Vee and featured turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, stuffing, macaroni and cheese, green bean casserole, dinner rolls, and pie. In-person dining and grab-and-go options were available.
"I attended this event because it was a great opportunity to taste traditional American Thanksgiving food such as turkey or mashed potatoes with gravy sauce,” said Sanzhar Naizabekov, a PhD student from Kazakhstan. “I think this can be a great experience for new international students.”
The event was sponsored by International Programs and the Office of the Dean of Students. An endowment by Iowa alumna Bev Brandau (BA ‘48), also helped make this event possible. The endowment seeks to support programs that directly facilitate interactions between international students and the community.
For students like Ashok, who spend months away from home, the sense of community this event creates is beneficial.
“We don’t have Thanksgiving in India, and being away from family, this is something I look forward to.”
Media Coverage: DITV
International Programs (IP) at the University of Iowa (UI) is committed to enriching the global experience of UI students, faculty, staff, and the general public by leading efforts to promote internationally oriented teaching, research, creative work, and community engagement. IP provides support for international students and scholars, administers scholarships and assistance for students who study, intern, or do research abroad, and provides funding opportunities and grant-writing assistance for faculty engaged in international research. IP shares their stories through various media, and by hosting multiple public engagement activities each year.
