Wednesday afternoon, the Walter International Education Center hosted its biweekly “International Meet and Greet” with the help of Student Senate.
Around 40 people showed up for the event, which included free food and pumpkin carving.
“This is a chance for international and American students to take a break from their busy schedules and make connections,” said Jennifer Petrie, a graduate assistant with the International Center.
According to Petrie, the meet and greet is a bi-weekly event that is funded by the OU Senate, but they also get help from Interfraternity Council, the International Student Union and Residential Housing.
“We helped out a lot with funding, as well as promotion and advertising,” said Kayla Prater, International Affairs commissioner with the OU Student Senate.
Pietrie said that she thinks the event is important because it not only brings students together, but it showcases the resources of the education abroad.
Prater later added, “The goal is to get American students and International students to interact.”
Zhou Yuxi is an international student and delegate with Ohio Program of Intensive English (OPIE), a program that teaches international students English to help them assimilate into the school.
“I like to come to this event just to be a part of it,” said Yuxi, a freshman studying business administration.
Prater said this is only one of many events held to bridge the gap between international students and American students. They also run a “Home for the Holidays” program for international students.
“We try and send international students home with American students so that they can experience the holidays,” said Prater.
The students carved pumpkins and celebrated Halloween together while also making valuable connections.
jr200009@ohiou.edu
