A Worldwide Holiday Dinner

Worldwide Terps is a student-athlete group whose mission is to help international student-athletes navigate the challenges of studying in a different country. The organization was launched during the 2018-19 academic year to build community among international student-athletes through group gatherings. It has since evolved into a more holistic group that's now housed within Maryland's student-athlete development unit. It also focuses on assisting international student-athletes with the transition process to the United States and providing career and personal development.

The group held a Worldwide Terps Holiday Dinner on Nov. 21 for the first time.

Whose idea was this holiday dinner?
Karla Elena Vázquez Setzer, Women’s Golf (Mexico): Last year, I did not have anywhere to have a Thanksgiving dinner, so I thought it would be a good idea to create a space for international student-athletes, ISAs, where we can gather to celebrate Thanksgiving. 

What was the plan for the event?
Ashley Germain, Women’s Track and Field (Canada):  The plan was to allow internationals and Americans to celebrate Thanksgiving together. Usually, international students do not go back home during this time since it can be expensive because of the price of the flights, Ubers, etc.

Any traditions you would like to start?
Karla Elena Vázquez Setzer, Women’s Golf (Mexico): The menu was designed to have lots of international foods with special appetizers such as gyozas and empanadas, while the main course of the dinner was typical Thanksgiving food like turkey, stuffing, macaroni and cheese and greens. 

Also, during the event we had activities to help international student-athletes network. We had activities where they had to interact with other teams’ ISAs by asking questions and taking selfies. 

Ashley Germain, Women’s Track and Field (Canada): From now on, I would like to continue doing this dinner because it is a great opportunity to connect Internationals with Americans. We share a meal while having a great time.

Why is this important to bring international Terps together?
Karla Elena Vázquez Setzer, Women’s Golf (Mexico): We want this to become a yearly tradition for WWT so that all ISAs feel like they have a support system, but most importantly an international student-athlete family at Maryland. It is important to bring International Terps together because being away from home, studying and performing at the highest college sports level can be very hard. When ISAs feel comfortable and supported, their holistic well-being is significantly improved and makes their experience as an ISA at Maryland better.

Ashley Germain, Women’s Track and Field (Canada): So they can feel a sense of community. Internationals might feel disconnected sometimes because they are far from home. By spending more time together they can develop a feeling of comfort and create memories with other people.

University of Maryland’s International Students & Scholar Services provides resources, information and support for International students. For more on ISSS, click below.