For many, the holidays are a time of togetherness and tradition. For some international students, this time can pose some challenges, when their friends and classmates are away with their families. The International Friendship Program at the University of Northern Iowa is one way UNI ensures these students are cared for between the fall and spring semesters. 

Through this program, community members are paired with international students and meet with at least once a month, though many develop close friendships and engage with students weekly. The community members — often referred to as “host families,” although they do not host the students long-term — take international students on grocery store runs, invite students into their homes for food and fellowship, and lend a listening ear when homesickness sets in, especially around the holidays.

“They fit in so well,” Doris Guthrie-Lovell, a Cedar Falls resident and UNI alum, said about the three international students she welcomed into her home for Thanksgiving. “They are willing to help, to participate, to dance in the kitchen and have their personalities shine through. We always learn so much about their country, their culture, families and more about themselves. They laugh easily, share honestly and are just a pleasure to be with.”

Guthrie-Lovell is a retired educator whose curiosity about other cultures and interest in engaging with youth prompted her to apply to the program. In her opinion, it’s been well worth the time investment. She has provided English tutoring to student Thi Le Linh Dan Do, who goes by Dani. This relationship quickly blossomed into friendship, so much so that Guthrie-Lovell considers Dani to be her Vietnamese granddaughter. 

This year’s Thanksgiving was Dani’s first exposure to the American holiday. It included indulging in a traditional Thanksgiving meal, giving thanks, asking each other personality questions and playing games.

For Dani, the best part was hearing the story of how Doris and her husband met. Of course, the food was also a highlight.

“She really cooked very good,” said Dani. “I liked it.”

Dani’s cousin Nhung Nguyen, who goes by Kira, joined the Thanksgiving feast. She had learned a little about the American holiday on TikTok but not experienced it firsthand. She would love to experience it again someday.

“I want to expand my knowledge about trying the culture here,” she said. “I want to try many things in the U.S.”

Margie and John Keiser of Cedar Falls also welcomed international students at their Thanksgiving table this year. The family has been involved with the International Friendship Program and similar programs since the 70s. They have loved getting to know so many international students over the years. In fact, some of their granddaughters who have met these students keep in contact with them. One granddaughter so loved getting to know these students that she studied international relations, applied for the Fulbright program and is now teaching English in Bulgaria. 

The Keiser family hosted four students for Thanksgiving and have asked three students to come for Christmas dinner. “I am open to having any students join us who have no Christmas invitation,” Margie Keiser said. “As a family, we have been enriched immensely by our many contacts with students from other cultures.”

‌Student Plaxcedes Mawora from Zimbabwe is planning to attend Christmas dinner at the Keiser household. She also joined them last year, and returned for this year’s Thanksgiving celebration. 

She believes the Keisers have done a fantastic job of welcoming international students into their home all year round.

“My relationship with Margie has been instrumental in helping me adjust to life in America and at UNI,” she said. “As an international student, it can be difficult being far away from home, but Margie and John have made me feel like part of their family. Their kindness and support have helped me navigate everything from cultural differences to finding my way around the area. They’ve also introduced me to American traditions, like Thanksgiving, and have given me the opportunity to experience the warmth and generosity of American family life. Thanks to them, I feel at home here, even though my family is thousands of miles away.”