DU international students gather every Thursday during the school year at the University Park United Methodist Church for a free meal and to talk with volunteers about adjusting to American life.

This event, World Diner allows international students to meet other students and receive help with coping with the new environment outside of the classroom.

Advertised mostly by word of mouth, these weekly get-togethers, between 12-1:30 p.m., can accommodate more than 50 students. Generally 30-35 attend each week.

“Everyone has fluctuating schedules, but it’s cool coming back every week,” said Ben Knappe, a one-year volunteer with World Diner. “It’s nice meeting the new people but still knowing the old people who come back every week.”

Every meal is a hearty attempt at some form of international cuisine, made by volunteers who come from multiple organizations and several Christian denominations.

These weekly meals are paid for by the International Neighbors Network (IN2) a nondenominational faith-based organization.

IN2 partners with International Students Incorporated (ISI) to gather volunteers who help cook and serve the food and eat with the students.

“The food is good,” said Yunyun Wu, a first-year international student.

After recently attending the World Diner, Yunyun intends to continue coming back every week.

IN2 also provides volunteering opportunities for international students. This gives them an additional perspective on American life they would not have otherwise.

Every Friday, IN2 takes a group of students to South High School to tutor.

Last weekend, IN2 funded a field trip to a Colorado ranch where the students volunteered in the morning and rode horses in the afternoon.

“Our goal is hospitality and service,” said Kelli Hayes, the IN2 Executive Director. “We have no religious agenda. IN2 wants to give students the option to explore what they want to explore.”