Thanksgiving is truly an American holiday with historical significance. It is one of America's oldest traditions and is a time when families gather together to celebrate. Through the International Thanksgiving Fellowship Program students from throughout Chicago are invited to become part of an American family during the four-day Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

The International Thanksgiving Program was founded in 1956 by Trudy Trogdon of Paris, Illinois. Trudy was inspired to promote international understanding by organizing a program designed to bring international students to live with American families for the Thanksgiving holiday. Over the last 52 years the program has grown to include numerous communities throughout Illinois who now extend an invitation to international students to join their families in celebrating this holiday weekend. Dates for the 2008 program are: Wednesday, November 26 - Sunday, November 30. Contact the Office of Programs & External Relations for additional information.