Dining Hall Detours: Off-Campus Spots & Easy Meal Hacks for Students

Author’s Note: “Hope College Dining holds an impressive rank—14th out of 93 colleges in Michigan. This article isn’t a critique of our dedicated dining staff; it’s simply an exploration of some additional options.”

The March 17, 2022 issue of “The Scribe,” the student newspaper at University of Colorado-Colorado Springs, ran this satirical story: All dining halls close, students live on box mac n’ cheese. The opening paragraphs read as follows:

“In a harsh yet swift move, chancellor Jeff Bezos ordered all the dining halls to be shut down indefinitely due to budget cuts. According to the very gracious Bezos, the school is not profitable enough to be able to keep on with the dining halls. Despite the move, students can still go to the bottom floor of the Clock Tower and pick up a box of mac n’ cheese. These are being offered to ensure students don’t starve, and because it’s the only food the school can offer right now.”


They say the best humor is based on the truth. And although it’s not true that Hope College is reducing meal options due to financial constraints, I believe it’s safe to say that many a student has opted for Kraft Mac & Cheese or Ramen Noodles as a delightful departure from what they perceive as the “same ole same ole.” (By the way, that reminds me of a funny scene from the TV sitcom M*A*S*H that illustrates the point…you can watch it here.) It’s not that Phelps or Cook provide less than desirable food. It’s just that some students look forward to the opportunity to get creative and start building some of their own meals! Let me share a few alternatives my own kids have added to their lineup…


Residence Hall Kitchens – Not every residence hall has a full kitchen, but for those that do, this is a great way to take control of your meals and break free from the monotony of the dining hall. It doesn’t take much—just a few basic ingredients and a simple plan. You can stock up your student with essentials like pasta, rice, veggies, and proteins. Trust me, I’m no cook. Yet, even I could use those basics to prepare meals quickly and easily. With a little prep, they can whip up simple meals like stir-fry, tacos, or even homemade soup. This is a cost-effective alternative and lets them customize meals to their liking and dietary needs. This can also be a great community builder…they can grab a few roommates, split the grocery bill, and turn meal prep into a fun, communal activity.

Kletz – Kletz Market is an on-campus café that provides another option to the dining halls. Here’s the description from Hope’s website, “Located in the Bultman Student Center, Kletz Market offers a bright and contemporary dining experience with an emphasis on fresh, local and sustainable products. Stop by for coffee, creative sandwiches and salads, fresh sushi, and made-to-order pizzas you typically won’t find anywhere else on campus.” I can attest that this description is accurate. And your student can use Dining Dollars (a balance on student accounts) to get 10% off.

8th Street – For those of us who have been around Hope for a while, we’ve quickly fallen in love with 8th Street. It may not be the most budget-friendly option. However, your student has this possibility if they want to switch up their meal routine from the dining halls. 8th Street in downtown Holland offers plenty of great alternatives just steps from campus. Whether you’re in the mood for a casual bite or something a little more special, this vibrant downtown area has it all—from cozy coffee shops like Lemonjello’s Coffee to global cuisine at places such as Poquito. Students can get comfort food at places such as New Holland Brewing (the Pinwheels are amazing). Or they can swing by Crust 54 for wood-fired pizza. They can even grab a quick, fresh meal by heading to The Good Earth for healthy bowls and smoothies. 8th Street has something to satisfy every craving—and it’s just a short walk away!

Find a Friend with an Apartment – Okay, stay with me on this one. I’m going to take you back to my senior year of college. I lived in an off-campus apartment with two roommates, and while we weren’t exactly culinary experts, we enjoyed experimenting in the kitchen. Over time, word of our “home-cooked meals” started to spread through our friend group. We’d often have people over who would actually ask us to cook for them. Fast forward to today… my son Jules (Class of ’25) is pulling the same move. His friends bring the groceries, he cooks the meal—and let me tell you, the boy can cook. It’s a win-win… they get a break from the dining hall, and my son gets a free meal.

Easy Eats – HelloFresh is a meal-kit delivery service that provides fresh ingredients that are proportioned and ready to cook. They have a line that may be perfect for your student: Easy Eats. For your student, this could be a game changer. Easy Eats offers a convenient, customizable way to enjoy fresh, home-cooked food without the hassle of grocery shopping or meal planning. Maybe your student just wants a quick meal before class. Or maybe they just want to head to their room at the end of the day needing to study. Whatever the case, they can leverage Easy Eats and its pre-portioned ingredients and easy-to-follow recipes. All they need is access to a dorm kitchen or a shared space, and within minutes, they’ll be cooking up something that’s not only delicious but also something different than the typical dining hall fare. Plus, they have options that cater to different dietary preferences and restrictions.

Dorm Room Meals – Lastly, one more option to consider as an alternative to the dining halls is simply making meals in the residence hall. Now, I know this requires a bit of creativity, and it’s certainly not the only option, but incorporating a few of these dorm-friendly meals alongside visits to Phelps or Cook might offer just the right amount of variety. During her years on campus, my daughter Molly ’22 made great use of these kinds of meals. Below is a sample menu of healthy options that can be whipped up with just a microwave (found in the shared kitchen of every residence hall). Your student could use this as a starting point for whipping up their own dorm-friendly meal rotation…

  • Monday
    • Breakfast: Microwaveable oatmeal with sliced bananas and a spoonful of peanut butter.
    • Lunch: Brown rice and canned black beans with salsa, topped with shredded cheese and avocado.
    • Dinner: Microwaved sweet potato with Greek yogurt, spinach, and a drizzle of olive oil.
  • Tuesday
    • Breakfast: Whole grain English muffin with almond butter and apple slices.
    • Lunch: Quinoa microwaveable packet, mixed with canned tuna, cherry tomatoes, and a squeeze of lemon.
    • Dinner: Veggie and chicken sausage wrap: Pre-cooked chicken sausage microwaved with mixed greens in a whole wheat wrap.
  • Wednesday:
    • Breakfast: Greek yogurt parfait with granola, honey, and mixed berries.
    • Lunch: Microwaveable lentil soup paired with whole grain crackers and sliced cucumber.
    • Dinner: Steamable frozen veggies mixed with microwaved brown rice and soy sauce for a quick veggie stir fry.
  • Thursday:
    • Breakfast: Microwave scrambled eggs (in a mug) with a side of avocado toast on whole wheat bread.
    • Lunch: Hummus, microwaveable quinoa, and baby carrots stuffed in a whole grain pita.
    • Dinner: Microwaveable stuffed bell peppers with ground turkey, salsa, and shredded cheese.
  • Friday:
    • Breakfast: Instant whole grain oatmeal with cinnamon, a handful of walnuts, and raisins.
    • Lunch: Spinach and ricotta ravioli (microwaveable) with a side of steamed broccoli.
    • Dinner: Pre-cooked chicken slices with a microwaveable baked potato and a side of microwave-steamed green beans.
  • Saturday:
    • Breakfast: Chia seed pudding (prep overnight) with almond milk, honey, and fresh fruit.
    • Lunch: Microwaveable edamame with instant couscous and a drizzle of sesame oil.
    • Dinner: Whole wheat tortilla quesadilla with low-fat cheese, black beans, and avocado.
  • Sunday:
    • Breakfast: Microwave egg white omelet with pre-chopped veggies, spinach, and a sprinkle of cheese.
    • Lunch: Microwaveable split pea soup with whole grain crackers and a handful of mixed nuts.
    • Dinner: Instant brown rice bowl with rotisserie chicken (store-bought), microwaved veggies, and a dash of soy sauce.

So, there you have it… a few alternatives to dining hall meals. At the end of the day, how your student fuels their body is entirely in their hands. While dining halls are convenient, students can take control of their meals as we’ve described here. As in all areas they will learn at Hope, it’s up to them to make choices that align with their goals, schedule, and preferences. Hopefully, the alternatives outlined here will be of help. These ideas and others are out there, but it’s their decision to embrace them and take charge of what goes on their plate.

Jay and Janice Hidalgo live and work in Grand Rapids, Michigan. They have four children, one of which is a Hope graduate, Molly Hidalgo ’22, and one of which is a senior at Hope, Jules Hidalgo ’25.

Navigating College Together: Tips for Families from a First Generation College Student

Growing up in a small, rural town east of Kalamazoo, Mich., I always felt known in school. From a very young age, I knew that I wanted to go to college and continue my learning journey. However, I had no clue where to start when it came to applying for colleges. As a first-generation college student, I wanted to go somewhere that I could feel welcomed and supported as I headed into uncharted waters. 

I credit my choice of Hope College to my mom who randomly suggested that I might like it. The summer before my senior year of high school, I toured Hope. Even though I live less than an hour away from campus, this was my first time in Holland. Almost immediately, I fell in love with the campus and city, even though I accidentally drove the wrong way on a one-way street. (Sorry, Mom!) In a way, Hope chose me that day. I had not yet decided on a career path but felt called to apply to Hope. 

As the valedictorian of my high school, I was very passionate about being challenged in school; it was something I had been yearning for. In addition, I graduated from a class of 40 students, so I was terrified at the thought of going to a large state school. So really, Hope checked all my boxes: not too far from home, small, academically challenging and, most importantly, it felt like home. 

Long story short, Hope was the only school I toured and the only school I applied to. When people ask me why I didn’t have a safety school, I don’t have a clear answer! I suppose I just knew that I belonged at Hope College. As a first-generation student, this was a huge deal for me! Not only did I feel excited for the fall of 2022, but my parents could also breathe easier knowing that I would be at Hope. 

As a freshman, I struggled. Although I dual-enrolled during high school at a local community college, Hope was an entirely new world for me. The course difficulty and workload hit me hard. I had no idea how to manage my time or truly study. Over the first weekend of the semester, I drove home and cried to my parents, telling them I couldn’t do it. 

I’ll never be able to thank my parents enough for not only validating my feelings but also giving me the tough love I needed. They told me that all I had to do was finish my first semester, and then we would figure out if I needed to transfer. Needless to say, it all worked out. I am now in my fifth semester and have just one more left. When I was a freshman, I never would have imagined that I would give anything to slow time down, like I wish it would do now. 

Therefore, I have a few tips that I think every supporter of a first-generation student should know!

First and foremost, listen. Being able to vent about the good, bad and ugly helped me so much. I didn’t need answers or solutions from my parents, I just needed to know that they were there to support me while I figured it out. Secondly, take an interest in your student’s courses! Try to learn a little bit about which classes your student is taking, what they like and dislike about them, and how you can best support their academic journeys within each class. Lastly, show your students that you see how hard they are working. A little bit of validation and praise goes such a long way in motivating a student to keep up the good work or pushing them to improve.

Even though my parents and family do not always know the ins and outs of higher education, their love and support always allow me to push through any struggles I may have. Without a doubt, I owe all of my success at Hope College to them!  

Meet the Webb Family

I remember the day well back in fall 2020. The Hope College Men’s Golf coach, Scott Lokers, called our son Will to see if he was still interested in playing golf for Hope. Will looked at me and I said, “Tell him yes!” Would it be OK if he came to watch Will’s final high school golf tournament the following week? Yes! We were so excited. Will was nervous, but so began his journey to Hope and the men’s golf team. God then proceeded to open all the doors for Will to fulfill his dream of playing college golf at a Division III school. He was going to be a student athlete at Hope College!

We could not have been more thrilled that he landed at Hope. As he enters his senior year, we are so grateful for the wonderful experience he’s having as a student athlete.


When I asked Will what he likes best about being on the golf team, he replied, “Being a part of a team after high school and having the opportunity to play a sport you love at a competitive level for four more years. Not many athletes get a chance to do that.” He loves being with his teammates.


We live on the other side of Lake Michigan in the north suburbs of Chicago, so we have been able to travel to most of the golf team’s tournaments over the years, including the Men’s College Golf Division III National Championship in Las Vegas this past May. It has been such a joy to see these young men grow in athleticism, leadership and teamwork. They have worked hard to win the MIAA conference title for the past two years in a row.


Golf is a fall and spring sport, but in the off-season, Will has had time for fraternity activities, Dance Marathon, ski trips, a Bible study and additional time to study. It is not easy. The hardest part is balancing school work while in season with team commitments, including travel, missed school days and other commitments. Will has experienced challenges and struggles along the way. He has persevered in the classroom and on the golf course, and we’ve seen God’s faithfulness through it all. The things he’s learned while being a part of this team have made it all worthwhile. He has learned life skills like time management, leadership, working towards a common goal
with teammates and developing a solid work ethic. Plus, he has developed many long-lasting friendships!


Will’s sister is a junior in college and is having a completely different college experience. We love that for her, but we tell people all the time, Hope is truly a special place – the people, the campus, the town and the way the whole Hope community cares so much about the students. We feel God’s presence every time we are on campus and love that our son is part of a faith community that will help launch him in the world. Will has been shaped and transformed by his experience, both as a student and an athlete at Hope College.

From Uncertainty to Confidence: The Journey of a Hope College Junior

Sometimes it feels like freshman year we are dropped off to college and left stranded to figure it all out. There is a sensory overload of new things to see, do, learn and experience. Everything is brand new, from the food at the dining hall to figuring out a future career. If this isn’t the case for everyone, it was the case for me. I am the first child in my household to attend college; although my parents both attended university, their experiences were different from the path I am taking. Being the oldest daughter of a six-kid family holds great responsibility. I am supposed to be a role model for the brothers and sisters who are younger than me, as well as create my future. I am beyond grateful for the Hope College experience. The campus has so much to offer and so many opportunities I have been able to take advantage of.

Returning to my freshman year, Dr. Ellen Awad was my freshman-year advisor and my first-year seminar (FYS) professor. Each new student is enrolled in an FYS course and that professor is also the advisor who helps them transition into college and assists in navigating their future. Presently, I still use my first-year advisor as a resource. I have formed a relationship with her, and I am comfortable going to her with the many questions that I have. My advisor was the first of many people to get involved with my future.

As students advance in their college careers and declare a major, we are assigned a new advisor from that specific department. I am on track to declare a business major with a minor in communication and I will have the opportunity to speak with advisors in both departments. The thing about Hope is everyone is willing to help. I have had many conversations with staff members as I was debating between majors, deciding where to study abroad and considering what activities to get involved with on campus.

I am a member of Residential Life on campus, as a returning residential assistant (RA) to Kollen Hall this year. I have lived in Kollen Hall for all three years of my college experience. During freshman year I was a resident, then sophomore year as an RA and as a junior I am the first semester RA on the first floor. Being an RA is one of my favorite opportunities I have had at Hope College. I have fostered my leadership skills and developed greater respect and patience for the residents around me. Residential Life has grown my network of professionals on campus. I have worked with DAR, Dining, Res Life pro staff, Student Life and Campus Safety. This higher-level network has introduced me to professionals who inspire me in my career aspirations as well as support me in my college journey. I encourage everyone who is interested to apply for Residential Life. The experience is beneficial at a personal level as well as a professional level.

Currently, I am a junior, declaring to be a business major with a communication minor. I am in the position of researching internship opportunities and filling out countless applications. The task of acquiring the right internship that will provide helpful experience for a future career is daunting. Hope has several events and resources on campus that students are invited to participate in. Throughout the year there are internship presentations, alumni panels and speakers who are invited to campus to educate students on opportunities at their firms, as well as provide advice that applies to their field. Also, each semester there is a Career Fair that gives students exposure to top companies that provide information about career opportunities and resumes for future interviews. There is no shortage of events happening on campus. Each department is intentional about exposing students to future opportunities.

Hope College is truly one of my favorite places to be. Aside from the beautiful campus and the welcoming environment, I have been encouraged to grow as a student. Looking back on who I was as a freshman, to who I am now as a junior, I have been exposed to professionals, internship opportunities and careers. I have changed my perspective from uncertainty to confidence because of the support system at Hope College. For the students who feel like they don’t know where to go next, everything will be fine. I was in that same position years ago. All you have to do is start; start the conversation with your advisor, a professor or your RA. The network at Hope is committed to helping students navigate their challenging futures. Embrace the space that you are in. It might not seem easy, but like me and other students around me, you will grow and excel in your future.

Meet the Moore Family

I once heard that the goal of a parent is to work yourself out of a job. While we will always be parents and they will always be our children, it is natural and right for our kids to gain independence so we are not needed in the same way we once were. At the time this advice was given to me, my kids were little and the thought of my children not needing me was both incredibly sad and a seemingly very distant reality. But as they do, the years flew by, and now we have not one student at Hope College but two! Our daughter, Molly, is a junior elementary education major and Elliana is a freshman exploring her future path. Our son, Charlie, is a high school sophomore, so we are just a few years away from the empty nest life. While l once dreaded letting them go, I have found over the years that one of my greatest joys is watching them live out what God has planned for them…outside of me.

One of our first big letting-go moments was dropping Molly off at Hope as a freshman. Hope is a 10-hour drive from our home in Kansas City, so this was no small thing. Especially since, during her junior year of high school, Molly struggled with some pretty intense anxiety, and we wondered how it would go when it was time to go away to college. Molly questioned her decision for a moment when it was time for us to drive away, and there were ups and downs in that first year, but she came home in May with an amazing community that she couldn’t wait to get back to.

If we thought going to school in Michigan was a big step, God was about to show us just how much we could trust Him. During the Spring 2024 semester, Molly decided to study abroad and was in Athens, Greece for four months! Thankfully, we were already used to Facetime and text as our means of communication, so while it mostly didn’t feel all that different to us, there was still the knowledge that she was in another country on the other side of the world. Yet, in ways large and small, God was faithful. She had two lovely housemates, a supportive program staff and the confidence and experience of three semesters at Hope under her belt. Not only did she survive, she thrived – volunteering at an after-school program helping students learn English (and they helped her learn Greek!); planning and taking trips to Switzerland, Austria, Germany, and a few other Greek destinations; finding a church she felt at home in in a country that was primarily Greek Orthodox; and so much more.

To be sure, she had some hiccups along the way (missing some transportation connections, figuring out a new phone plan, BED BUGS!!), but we found she had to deal with most of these issues while we were sound asleep due to the time difference. And she rose to the occasion! Instead of asking, “What do I do?” she often just told us what she did, and we affirmed her decisions. And then we had the opportunity to meet up with Molly in Athens in May as she was wrapping up her studies there. Our first realization as we walked off the plane—everything was in Greek! Ha! Looking around at the myriad signs in a completely foreign alphabet, we quickly realized we did not give Molly enough credit for her bravery in choosing to live in another country…while at the same time we were grateful for the support she had with her study abroad program and new friends.

We had an amazing European adventure in Greece and Italy as a family, but one of our favorite parts was watching Molly’s confidence and independence as she led us around. She introduced us to the wonderful owners of a local coffeeshop whom she had gotten to know. She taught us how to validate our tickets on public transportation. She navigated the crowds and restaurants and streets. Eric and I had worked ourselves out of a job, even if it was just for a moment. And that was really cool to see. I think we all know that we never stop needing our parents on some level, but watching my kids gain independence has been one of my best parenting surprises!

The First Semester


We’ve all heard the term “helicopter parent,” and none of us want to think we are one but sometimes our well-intentioned advice or involvement can prevent kids from problem-solving. After all, raising good, kind, and self-sufficient humans is what we signed up for, right? Here are some helpful tips and tricks that we try to employ.


Communication
It’s tempting to call or text multiple times a day for the little things as if they were still home. But they’re not. Let them lead and respect what works for them.

  • Make a plan: Before they leave, decide how often you will catch up and let them initiate contact.
  • Be flexible: Maybe there’s so much going on that they need to talk less, or things are rougher than they expected, and they need to talk more. Be there, but on their terms.
  • Seek to understand: Sometimes they just need someone to listen while they vent and other times they want advice. Ask which is most helpful for them in that instance and follow through.


Before you know it, you’ll get into a routine that works for both of you.

Decision Making
The first few days, weeks, and months will be stressful. Some kids have been making decisions for years but will doubt themselves when away from home. Others may not have had to make many decisions and are feeling overwhelmed. Either way, you may get a lot of, “Mom/Dad, _ happened, what should I do?!”

The following prompts are some to have in mind to encourage them to think and problem-solve:

  • What do you think you should do?
  • Where do you think you should start?
  • What do you want the outcome to be? What could be a few steps to get there?
  • Who could you ask for help?
  • What are the pros and cons of each?
  • What will happen if you do nothing?

Pretty soon, they’ll be hearing these questions in their head and problem-solving or feeling more confident that they’ve thought through their problem effectively.


Coming Home
Goodbyes never get easier. While it’s tempting to have them come home early and often, encourage your child to stay on campus for at least the first 4-6 weeks. Being there on weekends has the following advantages:

  • Rest: College is mentally, physically, and emotionally challenging, especially at first. Sleep is an amazing healer and offers clarity of mind to handle it all.
  • Homework: Catch up on homework or work ahead if the class allows.
  • Exploration: Explore off-campus happenings in Holland or nearby towns.
  • Socializing: Meet people outside of their classes by hanging out at events, worship services, or the student center.


Driving to and from campus, regardless of how far, can be stressful and breaks up the routine they’ve worked hard to establish during the week. If they know they’ll be there through the weekends, they’ll have more incentive to find things to do, people to meet, or places to explore.

Be honest with your kids—the first semester will be rough. Regardless of how extroverted or smart they are or how easy it has been for them to make friends in the past, they need to know it’s okay to take it one day at a time and that everyone else is in the same situation. We’ve suggested to ours to give themselves and others grace, to be kind, to have an open mind, and to pray. It will work out.


And if it’s feeling too heavy, seek help. Hope College offers a variety of mental health support services, including talking to an RA, Advisor, or Health Services. They are there to help, and reaching out is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Letting Go: One Mom’s Perspective

The Kaptur family, after Hope Convocation in 2023

I tried to prepare myself for the inevitable. This had been the plan since they were born, right? I knew they needed to live away from home to succeed, to fail, and to trust themselves in a safe environment. So why was this so difficult? Plain and simple, I loved the young adults my kids had become, and I knew that first semester of college would be rough. I told myself this is what they needed and that they would find their way. So, I tried to be positive, affirming them even when they expressed worry, and busied myself with the excitement of researching dorm life must-haves.

I was also blessed to have a couple of other moms from my children’s high school lamenting the same, and we agreed to band together and support one another. One of them named us the “Bird Launchers.” We decided to meet once a month and do something fun for us. After all, when you’re a parent, sometimes you lose yourself in the busyness of working full-time, driving them to or watching their events, and trying to keep things together for the family.

There are only three of us, but I’ve found such joy, understanding, and gratitude for our shared yet unique experiences. Each of us is the parent of two children. When our oldest went to college, it was difficult, and tears were shed, but when we pulled into the driveway after moving them in, we still had a younger child at home. We still went to sporting events, plays, and band concerts. We still had someone to yell at for walking past the mound of stuff at the bottom of the steps and someone to hug. But when the youngest moved into the dorm and we pulled into the driveway at home, it was just us and we needed to create a new normal.

Our Bird Launcher group has become a safe space where we can share ideas about how we encourage our kids to be confident, self-sufficient, and problem-solvers without judgment. Sometimes we laugh, and sometimes we laugh through the tears. Each time I leave our gathering, I feel heard, understood, and supported.

So, I encourage you to call one or two people in a similar situation with an upcoming or already empty nest and get together every so often to support one another—and have fun while you’re at it. We have attended a cooking class, brunch, gone to a local farmer’s market, and decorated cookies before the holidays. A year later, we still get together once a month to share our successes and challenges, and it’s been amazing food for this momma’s soul.

Helping Third Culture Kids and Their Families Belong

When growing up with multiple cultural influences, the seemingly simple question—Where are you from?—becomes complicated. If your passport country is the United States, but you have never lived there, do you feel American? Or, if your passport is from the United States but you’ve lived most of your life in Thailand, do you feel Thai?

Third Culture Kids (TCKs) have a mixed identity that is influenced both by their parents’ culture and the culture in which they are raised. Often, they feel pulled between two cultures.

“Moving to Hope as a TCK was confusing and hard, and I felt insecure,” said Mikella Bryant ’12 Van Dyke, who is an American who grew up in Thailand. “But Hope was a very warm and welcoming environment and everyone was very sweet.”

In an effort to address the unique needs of TCKs, international students and their families, Hope College has designed an International Family Orientation (IFO) program. We realize that these students and their families face challenges in their transition to college that domestic families don’t face. And, we want to help them feel like they belong.

“Third culture kids have the worst of both worlds—often excluded from the international crowd because they’re American, but not experiencing any of those American customs like learning how to drive a car, a sweet 16 party, graduation open houses, proms and the list goes on,” said Eric Frederick, a current parent of a TCK at Hope.

“My biggest fear, that they would be plopped down on their own and be told to ‘figure it out themselves,’ was allayed because of the time I spent at IFO,” he added. “I met the administrators who became surrogate parents. I met the amazing kids my daughter would become friends with. And I met their parents, creating a circle that allowed us to support our children and each other from continents away.”

Hope’s one-of-a-kind orientation program helps international families become better acquainted with campus and the experiences their students will have during their time here. Our goal is to familiarize them with the corner of the world we call home—Holland, Mich.

I am currently raising TCKs as my family of origin is American and I married an Israeli husband, whose family lives in Israel. It’s interesting to watch my kids (ages 3 and 7) lean more toward the American in them or the Israeli in them depending on the situation.

Sometimes, they use English as if it’s their second language and speak in Hebrew because they’ve grown up hearing both languages in our home. Other times, they tell me they can’t walk a few blocks to our destination and must be inside air conditioning on a hot summer day—a typically American viewpoint. One of our parenting goals is to teach our children about both American and Israeli cultures in hopes of expanding their worldview.
Having a broad worldview is important. My favorite part of our mission statement at Hope College is: to educate students for lives of leadership and service in a global society. Because of my experiences living and working abroad, creating a multicultural family, and becoming trilingual, my heart is overjoyed to be a part of bringing this mission statement to reality at Hope as an IFO coordinator.

I know that all the partners on campus who are involved with IFO are making an impact by broadening the worldview of the entire Hope community and easing the transition of TCKs to their new campus culture.

“Moving to a new country can be a hard adjustment, especially if that new country happens to be your passport/birth culture,” said Mahleija Tanner ’25, an American who lived in Azerbaijan and Spain. “But living at Hope College helped me find a community of other international/TCK students who understood the crazy I was experiencing, and nearly any craziness is manageable as long as you’re not alone.”

Cushioning Culture Shock Through International Family Orientation

As someone who has lived and worked in countries outside of the U.S., I have firsthand knowledge of what culture shock can feel like. It’s difficult to understand unless you’ve experienced it.

Culture shock is defined as “the feeling of disorientation experienced by someone who is suddenly subjected to an unfamiliar culture, way of life or set of attitudes.” There are mixed emotions, such as grief for your former home and joy for your new home, as well as exhaustion from learning your new normal and excitement from something new every day.

When international students and third culture kids (TCKs) — those who assume a mixed identity influenced both by their parents’ culture and the culture in which they are raised — and their family members come to Hope College, some may have never even visited the United States. Some are coming from their home country and culture, and some are coming in as TCKs, which adds another layer of complexity to this transition.

Upon moving to another country, there are so many details to take care of that many domestic students and their families already have in place, such as banking, cell phone services, and even things like knowledge of “big box” stores and their products.

At Hope College, we recognize the unique needs of non-domestic students and their families. We have created International Family Orientation (IFO), a program designed specifically for the family members of international students and TCKs to ease their transition to college life at Hope.

The goal is for family members to become more acquainted with Hope College and the experiences their students will have during their time on campus. We want to familiarize them with the corner of the world we call home—Holland, Mich.

Over the course of several days together, we host informational sessions with translators, take in the local sites, sample local food and culture, and form lifelong friendships in the process. We also give plenty of time for family members to ask questions and receive assistance with the practical matters of getting their student settled on campus.

This program is under the leadership of our Family Engagement team, and I couldn’t be more proud to see Hope College recognize the fact that non-U.S. based families need different programming than domestic families.

Part of our mission at Hope is to equip students for lives of leadership and service in our global society. This program is a direct reflection of the importance that we place on diversifying our campus community and connections. Through IFO programming, we communicate how much we value our non-domestic students and how important it is for us to build a strong relationship with their families, even if they live halfway across the globe.

International Connections – Expanding Worldviews and Creating Lifelong Memories

When I think of International Family Orientation (IFO), my face lights up. I have the joy of meeting people from all over the world and helping them set their child up for success in America. This unique orientation eases the transition for the families of third culture kids (TCKs) — those who assume a mixed identity influenced both by their parents’ culture and the culture in which they are raised — and international students as their freshmen join the Hope College campus community for the first time.

During the program, one of our goals is to create familiarity for the family members with Holland, Mich., and the surrounding area. When the student shares stories of their campus life with family back home, the family members can feel a bit more connected by having been to some of the places that the student is mentioning.

To a domestic student or their family members, that may feel like a small thing; but with thousands of miles between your home and your home-away-from home — along with language, faith and cultural differences — every little bit of familiarity helps.

I started coordinating and participating in IFO in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. What a year to begin! I collaborated with colleagues to create a virtual informational orientation, which was very helpful to family members but lacked the personal touch to form relationships.

In 2021, I was able to put together an in-person program and coined IFO as “the best time of the year!” During the programming, we laughed together, cried together and created memories that will last a lifetime. The relationships formed amongst the families and Hope staff bonded us for years to come.

Three years later, I am still in touch with family members that I met in 2021 and the following years. Since I am one of a handful of staff members that the family members know, I make a conscious effort to maintain ongoing communication with them.

I know firsthand how hard it is to be thousands of miles away from family as someone who has lived abroad and away from my nuclear family for 3 ½ years. Acts of kindness that may seem small actually mean quite a bit.

For example, when I spot an international student on campus whom I know through orientation, I try to take that extra moment to say “hi.” Sometimes, I even take a photo of myself with the student and send it to their family members. I also let the family know if their student is in a class that I am guest teaching. To answer any questions or calm fears about happenings or ever-changing Michigan weather, I’m always responding to texts in our Whatsapp group, too.

I value the diversity that the students and their families bring to our Hope College community. International students and TCKs come to Hope for an exceptional educational experience, but our campus receives much more in return. The domestic students, staff and faculty have the unique opportunity to learn from them and to expand their worldview.

International students and TCKs help us fulfill our mission at Hope — preparing students for lives of leadership and service in a global society. What an invaluable gift it is to spend four years with students from all over the world.