Experience Thanksgiving with an American Family!
Join a local American family for a traditional Thanksgiving meal, experience American culture, and make new friends!
International students, visiting scholars, and their families are invited to participate in this special Thanksgiving experience.
Thanksgiving Hospitality 2026
November 21–28, 2026
Thanksgiving Day is Thursday, November 26.
Meals are usually around 1:00 PM or 5:00 PM.
Your dinner date and time will depend on your host family’s availability.
Register for Thanksgiving
What is Thanksgiving?
Thanksgiving is a national holiday celebrated in the United States on the fourth Thursday of November. It is a time when families and friends gather to enjoy a special meal, express gratitude, and spend time together.
Traditional Thanksgiving meals often include roast turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. Thanksgiving has historical roots in harvest celebrations and remains a cherished American tradition.
Visit an American Home This Thanksgiving!
Bloomington International Student Ministries (BISM) invites international students, scholars, and their families to experience Thanksgiving in the home of a local American family.
During your visit, you can:
- Enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving dinner.
- Experience American holiday traditions firsthand.
- Meet a local American family.
- Share stories and learn about different cultures.
- Build friendships and create lasting memories.
Watch Our Thanksgiving Hospitality Video
Want to see what Thanksgiving Hospitality is like? Watch our video to learn more!
How Do I Sign Up?
Simply complete our online registration form to request an invitation to a local American family’s Thanksgiving dinner.
You can select your preferred dates, indicate dietary restrictions, and let us know if you need transportation.
We will do our best to match you with a host family based on availability and preferences.
Questions?
For more information about Thanksgiving Hospitality, please contact:
Kristi Huston
Phone: 812-327-5885
Email:
kristi@ifmusa.org
We look forward to sharing the joy of Thanksgiving with you!