Thanksgiving break is a time when many students look forward to going home and having a home-cooked meal, but 400 international students do not have the opportunity to travel home for the holiday.

The Office of International Student Services provided Thanksgiving meals for the university’s international students in previous years, but this year it decided to try something new.

Students, faculty and even residents filled out a “Thanksgiving Dinner Host Application” and will open their homes to international students for Thanksgiving.

Assistant Director Samba Dieng said this a great opportunity for international students.

“Getting that first-hand experience with a family is going to be great…they will know what Thanksgiving is about,” Dieng. “They get the opportunity to perhaps start a partnership or friendship with a family or student.”

International student and sophomore Evelyn Jacome from Ecuador said she looks forward to spending Thanksgiving break with the host family the program gave her.

“(My host) family is from here and actually is a graduate from St. Thomas,” Jacome said.

The Office of International Student Services serves about 400 students, but only 350 of the 400 are served directly by the office. Dieng thinks “roughly 100 students would be interested in joining a family.”

Students and faculty are encouraged to apply, especially if they live less than 45 minutes away from campus. The host must be able to provided transportation for the international students since most of them do not have vehicles.