Traditional roast turkey, cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie were on the menu at a special Thanksgiving dinner held in an historic Dundee house in November for members of a new student club, Transatlantic Student Exchange (TSE) Dundee.
Set up by third year students Claire Swan and Fiona Softly, TSE Dundee provides a support network for students who have been on, are currently on or are about to take part in a university international exchange programme.
Claire and Fiona spent their second year of university studies at North American universities. They found it an enriching experience and one that they wanted to put to use on their return to Dundee.
On returning from the exchange they found there was no system for students who had shared the common experience of studying abroad to get in contact with each other and no formal way to meet any North American students who were spending a year in Dundee.
Club member Ricki Brewer said, "Most students who have returned from the exchange are full of enthusiasm and keen to get more involved with an international student scene but until our group was formed there was little opportunity to do so.
For students considering going on an exchange, the club gives them a chance to meet the students who have already gone overseas and those from overseas who are studying here. The club is an informal way for them to not only choose the right exchange university to go to, but also seek advice on what to pack, what classes to avoid, and what night spots to enjoy. We also hope to help students about to go on the exchange with understanding the strange timetables at their host universities and other administrations that they will have to go through from applying for a visa to choosing the right residence."
The club meets on a monthly basis as well as organising seasonal events such as the recent Thanksgiving dinner. The evening, which was attended by British, Canadian and North American TSE members, was kindly hosted at the historic Duntrune House by Canadian Henny King and Olwyn and Barrie Jack. The event was also supported by DUSA, Sainsbury's and the Canadian Women's Lunch Club.