TWU GLOBAL welcomed several hundred students into the MA in Leadership program this year, many of whom are new to Canada.
As Canadians celebrated Thanksgiving earlier this month, TWU GLOBAL staff and faculty coordinated with Student Ministries and local churches to arrange Thanksgiving meals for MA in Leadership students who have come to Canada to further their professional and educational journeys.
For many students, this was their first Canadian Thanksgiving.
This new initiative was open to the Langley MA in Leadership fall cohort. The response was tremendous, and both students and host families expressed very positive feedback on their experiences.
Cultural exchange
Leadership students Mukta and Aarti were among those who were invited for a home-cooked Thanksgiving meal through this initiative. While enjoying a meal in the home of their host couple, Mukta and Aarti described their previous experiences in India and their journey of coming to study in Canada. They also shared stories about India’s culture and people.
Leadership student Sithumini together with her family were invited to the home of another couple. Sithumini reflected, “We felt that it was more like a family reunion than merely a meeting…they welcomed us with a loving gesture and made us feel right at home We had a really fantastic chance to get to know them and one another. …Our little daughter got to spend time with their kids as we learned about a different culture.”
Experiencing Canadian hospitality
Many more students expressed their gratitude to their host families. One other reflected, “I enjoyed their company and learned much regarding the history of thanksgiving. …We engaged in prayer prior to our meal and had some great talks with my hosts, their parents and several other guests who had been invited. Our meal continued with my gaining immense knowledge about Canada…”
Ruma and Rahil wrote to their hosts a note of thanks, expressing, “As we reflect on the Thanksgiving evening we shared at your home, we want to extend our sincere gratitude for your incredible hospitality and the warmth with which you welcomed us."
“Our conversations were not only engaging but also gave us a deeper insight into your remarkable lives.” Their hosts not only prepared a delicious feast but also presented toys and gifts to Ruma and Rahil’s son, a kind gesture that touched the students deeply.
About TWU's MA in Leadership
The MA in Leadership degrees are offered with two foundational curriculum themes – Transformational Servant Leadership and Values-Based Leadership. Our degree program is designed to develop emerging leaders using the Competency Model to become confident and effective servant-leaders for the 21st Century. Learn more at TWU's MA in Leadership program.
About Trinity Western University
Founded in 1962, Trinity Western University is a global Christian liberal arts university. We are dedicated to equipping students to discover meaningful connections between career, life, and the needs of the world. Drawing upon the riches of the Christian tradition, seeking to unite faith and reason through teaching and scholarship, Trinity Western University is a degree-granting research institution offering liberal arts and sciences as well as professional schools in business, nursing, education, human kinetics, graduate studies, and arts, media, and culture. It has campuses in Canada in Langley, Richmond, and Ottawa. Learn more at www.twu.ca or follow us on Instagram @trinitywestern, Twitter @TrinityWestern, on Facebook and LinkedIn.
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Image by Dan DeAlmeida on Unsplash.