Share the Cheer

Celebrating the winter season by building connections!

Join us in celebrating the winter season by building vibrant, inclusive communities! This initiative invites members of the University of Alberta to connect with international students, sharing traditions and creating lasting memories.

December 20, 2024 - January 1, 2025

Host International Students

We invite members of the University of Alberta community to share their family traditions and create a warm, welcoming environment for international students who may be far from home. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn about diverse cultures, exchange traditions, and forge meaningful connections.

Who Can Host?

  • Current employees
  • Members of the Senate
  • Board of Governors
  • Graduate students living in their off-campus accommodation
  • U of A Alumni

Hosting Requirements

Hosts must invite a minimum of two international students to join them for lunch, dinner, or an event during the university’s winter closure period.

Ideas for hosts

  • Host a lunch or dinner
  • Enjoy holiday movie nights with hot chocolate and treats
  • Organize holiday baking sessions
  • Create a craft night to make seasonal decorations or gifts
  • Plan outdoor activities like ice skating, tobogganing, snowshoeing, or cross-country skiing
  • Plan a visit to Zoominescence at the Valley Zoo

Register as a Host


International students - Be our guest!

If you will be around campus during the winter break and would like to connect with new people while enjoying seasonal festivities, register as a guest for Share the Cheer! Celebrate the winter season with a host family at a holiday dinner or fun activity and share your cultural celebrations and traditions.

Registration for guests will be available on November 15, 2024


How it works

  • Each host will have an event for two or more students.
  • Hosts are responsible for contacting their guests to make arrangements within one week of receiving the contact details. 
  • Invitations should include suggestions for transportation so that guests can reach the host’s home.
  • Guests are responsible for informing the host about dietary restrictions or allergies when filling out the registration form.

Read more about Share the Cheer

Celebrating community connections through Share the Cheer