With students zipping up their suitcases across campus as they prepare to leave Athens for Thanksgiving, there’s one group that may not be following suit.

Students who come to the University from abroad usually aren’t brought up partaking in the American holiday held each year on the fourth Thursday in November.

But even though it’s not a native holiday for international students, there are still plenty who choose to celebrate it.

“I’ve celebrated Thanksgiving pretty much every year,” said Antje Meyke, a graduate teaching assistant from Germany. “Usually, I’ve been at friends’ houses.”

Meyke, who has been living in the U.S. for six years said she enjoys all of the home-cooked food and the interaction with people during the holiday.

“Somebody always takes care of you,” she said. “It’s really cool to get together with so many people.”

On Sunday the Baptist Collegiate Ministries will be hosting a Thanksgiving dinner where international and national students can mingle.

“Our goal is to connect international students with national students, and we do this with dinners once a month,” said Drew Hooks, a junior from Watkinsville and international outreach coordinator for the Baptist Collegiate Ministries.

Hooks said since the event is held at a house, it has a more family-like atmosphere – perfect for Thanksgiving dinner.

Melanie Rehle, a graduate assistant from Germany, will attend the Baptist Thanksgiving dinner, which will be her first Thanksgiving.

“I’m expecting some turkey, maybe some cranberries and I have no idea about the rest [of the food],” said Rehle, who is in her first semester at the University and the U.S. “I’m so new, but I’m excited – not just about the food, but also about all the people.”

Kelvin Chiong, a junior foreign exchange student from Malaysia, is also spending his first Thanksgiving in the States this year. He plans to travel to Virginia with friends he met through the Christian ministry programs at his home university.

“I’m Chinese, and we get really excited for New Year,” he said. “People here are really excited for Thanksgiving, [and] I’m looking forward to the fellowship and the home-cooked food.”