International Students, Inc. Kansas City is an organization that supports international students who attend schools in the metro area. The purpose of this organization is to make university students who come from abroad feel welcome by hosting social events like picnics and helpful services grocery store trips.

This year, ISI hosted its annual welcome picnic for the international students at Graceway Church instead of the usual location on the University of Missouri-Kansas City’s quad. Because of the larger venue, about 42 volunteers plus children from the church were able to help run the event.

The picnic featured foods, desserts and fruits from various countries for everyone to enjoy. There were also a variety of outdoor games such as cornhole, ladder toss, 9 Square in the Air and volleyball that students and volunteers could play in between meals on the lawn.

The most important event at the picnic was the national parade. In this parade, the international students ran through a line of American volunteers, high-fiving and applauding them as their country’s names were called out.

In total, there are 68 international students and scholars, along with their spouses and families, visiting from 17 countries. The students who attended the picnic go to five different schools in the Kansas City area, including Park University. Everybody at the picnic was excited to experience and learn more about Kansas City.

“After so long, it was great to get together in person,” said City Director of ISI Kansas City, Carol Douglass. “We are so glad you are here international students and scholars! We love you!”