For some people, IE University is very far from home, especially those coming from the Americas, and the international atmosphere can make any student feel a bit out of place and unfamiliar with their surroundings. That’s why IE University has organized a Thanksgiving dinner to make students feel “home” and remember the family root
IE University is a community that values the tradition and heritage of its students. The school eagerly helps students organize events based around traditions from their home countries, both for the enjoyment of those who customarily celebrate these special occasions and cultural traditions and also for the friendly immersion of others’ countries within the entire IE University student body and faculty. It is of no surprise that we are seeing cultural events constantly taking place in the halls of the campuses, from Asia Week to a range of international celebrations and reunions. This cultural celebration is one of IE’s greatest strengths, and its practice is almost synonymous with the institution itself (especially if you consider how the school promotes its international atmosphere with prospective students).
In November, several American students came together to organize a Thanksgiving dinner—an important holiday in the United States—which they hoped the school would be able to help with. Not surprisingly and much to our hopes, the university immediately jumped on board to help with the celebration. Initially, the students simply wanted a room big enough to fit a table for all the students to sit around. However, the University, through the student services at the Real Casa de la Moneda in Segovia, offered an even better deal which allowed the students to reserve a large hall for the event. The hall was grand and exceeded the group’s expectations for the upcoming event.
Despite it being almost two weeks after the actual holiday (due to school priorities), a group of about 20 American students met at the Casa de la Moneda for the celebratory feast. Everyone brought food typical to the US, even including some items which were very difficult to track down in Spain. As they sat down to eat, with their plates overflowing with food, they began to reminisce about home.
“Home” was the main theme of this event. The students, through this small event at their university, were able to get a taste of “home.” For some people, IE is very far from home, especially those coming from the Americas, and the international atmosphere can make any student feel a bit out of place and unfamiliar with their surroundings. This is understandable, and for many, the first year at university can be difficult due to the big changes and culture shock. However, the university recognizes this phenomenon and instead of ignoring the situation, it reinforces the cultural difference as its strength by giving students the opportunity to embrace and remember their family roots.
Thanksgiving is a time of celebration with friends and family and it reflects the good-natured companionship that many people seek. As such, being unable to celebrate it at home (due to the physical restraint of being in Spain) can make individuals feel left out of something that has always been a part of their lives (whether that is spending time with family or celebrating the holidays in their own countries). Students came together to rectify this by celebrating between themselves, and with support from the IE University staff, the celebration exceeded all expectations. This story has been used to influence many other occasions, events and celebrations based off of where students come from and helped them to celebrate in their own ways. Each time the school has answered and encouraged these events. It would be worthwhile to remember, for all prospective students, whether you find home in the friends you make or the traditions you bring, that you will always find something familiar to you at IE University.
