Thanksgiving in the United States revolves around food and togetherness, bringing family and friends to come over. Every last week of November, when schools and campuses close, many American students usually head home for thanksgiving break. Meanwhile, for international students and scholars, going home during a short break is often not an option.
Profesor Jean Ferketish, an Associate Professor in the Department of Administrative and Policy Studies who is also an IISE Reseach Fellow, stepped in, to make sure IISE international visiting scholars have a place to go as well during thanksgiving break. Professor Ferketish hosted a thanksgiving dinner for IISE visiting scholars at her lovely and warm house. The dinner was a haven for these international scholars who often have no family nearby in the US and have no thanksgiving traditions of their own.
Thanksgiving tradition has evolved as a way to introduce the American culture to international guests and audience, including IISE visiting scholars. These scholars have been very busy working on their research projects. During their stays in campus, they may not always have a chance to explore American culture outside school buildings. Dao Nguyen, IISE Program Coordinator, had arranged several American holiday events, including thanksgiving, for IISE visiting scholars. “It's great getting our international guest scholars out into the community to engage with American culture outside campus. It will enhance their time here."
Food-and-family Culture
Professor Ferketish, her husband, Dave and her daughter Anna prepared the whole meal and introduced the American food culture of thanksgiving to their international guests. The hosts explained the cultural richeness and stories of various dishes on the table traditionally served during thanskgiving. Dr. Xia Wang, a visiting scholar from Mudanjiang Normal University, China, said “I gain a deeper understanding of American food culture, such as pre-meal snacks, main entries, dessert, and the like. It will be one of unforgettable events during my stay in Pittsburgh.”
Dao, who also attended the dinner, said that the IISE international guests find it to be an extremely valuable event to them while staying in the US. “We had a wonderful time learning and enjoying the American culture through food and family traditions during thanksgiving. The atmosphere during the dinner was very familial.”
American Hospitality
The group were humbled that Professor Ferketish and her family took time and efforts to put on such a hospitality for them. Xia Wang enjoyed the friendliness of the Ferketish family, even though they just met the first time. “The hospitality of Professor Ferketish and her husband impressed me deeply and made me feel like I was at home.”
Cultural Openness
Another rewarding aspect of the thanksgiving dinner at Professor Ferketish is the sense of cultural openness. Dr. Yushan Zhu, a Visiting Scholar from Jiangsu Normal University, China, said that he really appreciated the fact that the Ferketish families opened their house for international fellows. “It's the first time for my entire family being guests at an American home and we all enjoyed the wonderful time there. My wife, my kid and I not only enjoyed the great delicious dinner, but also felt welcomed.”
Dao appreciated the gathering as a gesture of cultural openness. She added, “by the time we finished the first round of the feast, strangers across the table were no longer strangers. I hope this good relationship continues and these visiting scholars will take the spirit of openness and hospitality to their home countries.”
Dr. Ferketish and Dr. Bao Fang, a Visiting Scholar, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, were ready to carve the turkey.
Professor Jean Ferketish is an Associate Professor in the Department of Administrative and Policy Studies at the University of Pittsburgh where she teaches courses in the leadership and management of institutions of higher education. She has more than 30 years of experience working with organizations to improve performance and strengthen culture in academia, industry, service sector and healthcare. She teaches masters and doctoral students four graduate programs and trains other consultants in leadership, human resources and organization development as well as strategic planning.
Learn more about
How to join the IISE Visiting Scholars Program