Just before winter break, a group of Kent State University international student-athletes representing eight different countries visited first graders at Woodland Elementary School. 
The student-athletes took time to share the cultures, languages and traditions of their native countries: Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Jamaica, New Zealand, Scotland and Spain. The student-athletes introduced themselves in their native language, taught the students to say “hello” and spoke about their experiences living in a different country, as well as playing their respective sports.
Eilidh Thomson, who plays on the field hockey team and is from Edinburgh, Scotland, says she enjoyed her time with the elementary students.
“It was fun seeing the kids excited about us coming to their school,” Thomson says. “We brought in our flags. They got to pick their favorite one and ask us questions about our favorite traditions, foods and something we have in our country but don't have here (in the United States). I really enjoyed it because it was something different. We got to help out the community and speak on where we all came from and what makes us, us."
Kent State’s Department of Intercollegiate Athletics has athletes from 17 different countries on four continents. These student-athletes gain a unique experience by attending school in a foreign country. They also provide those students who call the United States home with an insight and perspective about the different cultures and traditions that are prominent in our world today.
For more information about Kent State Athletics, visit www.kentstatesports.com.