As the spring semester begins, students from around the world gather to celebrate new beginnings and rekindle friendships at the highly anticipated International Family Dinner. This event, held on Jan. 30 in the Jay Lounge, served as an opportunity for international students and their friends to come together, share a meal and embrace the warmth of community.

For Saki Takatsu, a senior international business major, this event is one of the highlights of the semester. 

“This event is always something to look forward to because I get to talk to other international students and catch up,” Takatsu said.

Like many other attendees, Takatsu sees the dinner as more than just an occasion to enjoy delicious food—it’s a space to reconnect, share experiences and make new memories.

Takatsu’s roommate, Gabby Caudill, a senior Japanese and marketing major, echoed similar sentiments.

“I tag along to these events with Saki since she is my roommate,” Caudill said. “I love being able to go to these events and talking to new people that I haven’t had the chance to meet yet!” 

For many students, the International Family Dinner offers a rare chance to meet peers they might not otherwise cross paths with in their daily routines.

The dinner is about more than just food—it’s about building relationships and fostering a sense of belonging. Throughout the night, laughter filled the room, creating an atmosphere where students felt at ease. Conversations ranged from discussions about class schedules and summer experiences, to lessons in dance and cultural traditions.

In one corner, a group of students enthusiastically taught each other new dance moves they had learned over the break. In another, first-time attendees chatted with returning students, learning about their backgrounds and sharing their own stories. The event encouraged interaction between students from different countries, allowing them to gain insight into different cultures while forming lasting friendships.

One international student from Japan summed up the essence of the night perfectly: “Everyone looks forward to the International Family Dinner because what better way to get people to speak and be happy if it’s not around food?”

For Mildred Nwachukwu-Innocent, a junior computer science major, the event represents something even deeper.

“International family dinners are a great opportunity for us to come together, interact and form new friendships,” Nwachukwu-Innocent said. “It’s always a fun time because it strengthens our sense of community and brings us closer.” 

This International Family Dinner marks the first gathering of its kind each semester, setting the tone for the months ahead. For international students, transitioning into a new academic term can be daunting, especially when adjusting to life in a foreign country. Events like these serve as a comforting reminder that they are not alone and that they have a supportive community to rely on.

For Maria Petty, the International Student Programs Advisor & Recruiter, the event carries an important purpose. 

“International Family Dinner started as a place to build community and friendships over homemade food,” Petty said. “A lot is expected of Etown students, both in and outside of the classroom, that I wanted to give them space to simply be adults and get to know each other. Students are willing to share their culture over food, and there’s always a great reception to what they make.”

Beyond the friendships and conversations, the dinner also provides an opportunity for students to learn about upcoming events and resources available to international students. Many leave not just with full stomachs, but with a renewed sense of excitement for the semester ahead.

As the evening drew to a close, students lingered a little longer, reluctant to let go of the warmth and camaraderie they had found in the Jay Lounge. Whether they had come as returning attendees or first-time guests, each person left with new connections, shared laughter and the anticipation of future gatherings.

For those who call a different country home, the International Family Dinner is more than just a meal—it’s a reminder that no matter where they come from, they belong.