Sheethal Dara reporter
Pittsburg State University (PSU) recently hosted its annual International Orientation, a four-day event designed to welcome and assist 113 new graduate and undergraduate students from around the world. This orientation is a critical program for the university, as it helps international students acclimate to life in the United States and the academic environment at PSU.
Beyond the usual administrative sessions and informational meetings, the orientation includes a series of community-hosted dinners, which are particularly noteworthy for their role in helping students connect with residents and other members of the university community. These dinners, held throughout three evenings, serve as both a social and cultural introduction to life in Pittsburg, Kansas. They provide a welcoming atmosphere where students can meet new people, learn about local customs, and share their own cultures. The dinners are hosted by various community groups, each bringing their own flavor and tradition to the event.
The first dinner was organized by the Friendship Families group and took place on Aug. 13 at the Presbyterian Church. This group has a longstanding tradition of supporting international students at PSU, and the dinner was a key event in the orientation program. Leading the effort was Cynthia Pfannenstiel, a dedicated member of the university community who has worked at PSU’s library for over 30 years. Her commitment to helping new students feel welcome is evident in the care and effort she puts into these events. Pfannenstiel, along with a team of 12 volunteers, prepared and served a variety of dishes, including chicken, fried rice, fruits, vegetables, and desserts. The wide array of food options ensured that there was something for everyone, regardless of their dietary preferences or cultural background. Pfannenstiel stated, “(I) felt happy in serving the students, noting that it is a blessing to be able to contribute to their journey at PSU.” She emphasized the importance of these dinners in helping students adjust to their new environment, not only by providing a meal but also by offering a sense of community and support. Pfannenstiel said, “I love to cook, but especially when it’s for new students from different culture.” Pfannenstiel expressed, “looking at people enjoying the food we cooked is beyond happiness.”
In addition to the meal, the dinner provided an opportunity for students to learn about the Friendship Families group, which pairs international students with local families to help them navigate their new surroundings. Both Pfannenstiel and Walker, another member of the Friendship Families, encouraged students to join the group. They highlighted the benefits of being part of a community that can help them with the transition, teach them about American culture, and provide support when dealing with cultural shock.
The second evening of the orientation, Aug. 14, featured a dinner hosted by Trinity Baptist Church. This event offered another opportunity for students to connect with the local community and share their experiences. The dinner was particularly focused on addressing the cultural differences that international students often encounter when they first arrive in the United States.
One of the most discussed topics at the dinner was the difference in dinner times between the students’ home countries and the United States. Many of the students were surprised to learn that dinner in the U.S. is typically served between 5:30 and 7 p.m., much earlier than the 9-10 p.m. dinners they were accustomed to. This seemingly small difference was an example of the cultural adjustments that students need to make as they settle into their new lives.
The evening was filled with lively conversations, as students shared their initial impressions of the U.S. and discussed the challenges of adapting to a new culture. The church members, in turn, shared their own experiences and offered advice on how to navigate these differences. The dinner concluded with music and songs performed by the church members, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere that left the students feeling appreciated and supported.
The final dinner of the orientation took place on Aug. 15 and was organized by the Rotary Club at St. John’s Lutheran Church. This event was particularly festive, with a menu that included burgers, snacks, soft drinks, and the highlight of the evening: homemade ice cream. The ice cream was a hit among the students, many of whom had never tasted homemade ice cream before.
In addition to the food, the dinner featured a special moment where students were invited to sing their national anthems. This was a powerful and emotional experience for many, as it gave them a chance to express their national pride and share a piece of their culture with others. Watching students from different countries stand up and sing their anthems was a poignant reminder of the diversity and richness of the international student community at PSU.
The Rotary Club members encouraged students to participate in the club’s activities and get involved in the local community. They emphasized the importance of building connections and contributing to the community, both of which are core values of the Rotary Club.
Overall, the community-hosted dinners during the International Orientation at Pittsburg State University were more than just meals; they were a vital part of the students’ introduction to life in the U.S. and at PSU. These events provided a warm welcome to the new students, helping them to feel supported and connected as they began their academic journey. The dinners also played a crucial role in fostering a sense of community, both among the international students and between the students and residents.
By the end of the four-day orientation, the new students had not only gained valuable information about the university and the local area but had also made meaningful connections with people who would be part of their support system during their time at PSU. The success of these dinners highlights the importance of community involvement in the orientation process and underscores PSU’s commitment to providing a welcoming and supportive environment for all its students.