Thanksgiving without Borders

Thanksgiving Without Borders banner.

For many people in the U.S., Thanksgiving represents a time to gather with family and/or friends to reconnect, enjoy each other's company and share a wonderful meal together.  UB's faculty, staff and alumni demonstrate their generous spirit by hosting Thanksgiving dinner for a number of our international students. This year, International Student Services and the Vice Provost for Inclusive Excellence are proud to bring back our Thanksgiving without Borders at UB; making it possible for international students to experience the many ways that American’s celebrate Thanksgiving.

How the Program Works

Hosts Students

International Students

International students who are interested in sharing Thanksgiving with a UB host family should complete the registration form linked below. The registration forms will be used to match students with compatible host families.

We will do our best to place all international students with a host family.  However, we cannot guarantee that all student applicants will have the opportunity to participate.

International Student participants will receive:

  • The names and contact information of the host family
  • Information on the history and traditions of Thanksgiving in the United States
  • Tips for being a guest in an American family's home

Students will be expected to communicate with their host family before Thanksgiving Day to discuss what time to arrive, what to expect, and how long the Thanksgiving celebration might last.  Please do not ask your host families if you can bring friends (unless the family invites you to do so).

You will receive information about your host by Friday, November 10, 2023.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at iss@buffalo.edu.

Please carefully consider your plans for the Thanksgiving holiday.  Students who participate in this program are expected to be available the entire day on November 23rd to attend Thanksgiving celebrations.  It is very impolite to cancel your participation (especially at the last minute) as Thanksgiving celebrations take a lot of time and money to plan and facilitate.

Photos from Past TwB Participation