Thanksgiving is a holiday celebrating
both giving and sharing. Several of our Hofstra families showed these
characteristics when opening their homes for our annual Thanksgiving Homestay. The Office
of Parent and Family Programs along with the Office of International Student Affairs offers this opportunity for students, international
or not, that either can’t make it home for Thanksgiving or would like to experience Thanksgiving for the first time. The feedback received over the years shows
that both students and families enjoy and grow from their experiences.
This year, Rosa Keijsper had the opportunity,
with several of her friends, to spend the holiday with the Murray family! From
dog walks, to Thanksgiving dinner, to even a Broadway show, the Murrays worked
hard to ensure their guests had a wonderful time!
Rosa said, “It felt really nice to be
surrounded by such a loving family and experience the American life outside of
the university. I would like to thank both Hofstra and the Murray family for
this opportunity and all the fun stuff we got to do this weekend!”
We at Parent and Family Programs
would also like to thank the Murray family for kindly opening and sharing their
home for Thanksgiving!
Yishi Ding is another student that
had the chance to experience her first Thanksgiving. She spent it with the
Osterwald family and their daughter, Gwen.
 |
| Yishi with the Osterwald Family |
Here's what Yishi had to say, “I have to say that [Gwen's] family is so interesting and I really spent
a wonderful time with them. I am grateful to the Parent and Family office and International
Student Affairs office for giving me the chance to have a homestay with a local
family. And [I]thank Gwen for inviting me. That's a very unforgettable experience.”
Luisa Domingues had "the best experience for [her] first Thanksgiving here in America."
 |
| Thanksgiving at the Aherns |
 |
| Thanksgiving at the Aherns |
For any families who wish to participate in the Thanksgiving Homestay opportunity next year, please email us at
parents@hofstra.edu for more information.
-Jeo Dorcely, undergraduate student assistant
