While studying abroad, one surefire way to become immersed in a new culture is through engaging with the country’s most popular sports. For international students studying at the University of Delaware, nothing says American culture like football. To that end, UD Athletics has teamed up with the Center for Global Programs and Services (CGPS) and the English Language Institute (ELI) to give international students a front-row seat to American college football culture through their annual Football 101 event.

Most students join the tour knowing very little. By the end, they've learned about American college football through tours of the Whitney Athletic Center, trying on the uniforms themselves and hearing firsthand from a panel of players on the Fightin' Blue Hens team.

“It's really important for international students to get a tailored experience of something that's so traditionally American, like football,” said Moraa Andima, programming coordinator at CGPS. “They hear people talking about it, but in a smaller setting, they can ask questions and learn about it. It helps them feel a little bit more a part of the community.”

Cheryl Ernst, associate professor at the ELI, was excited to attend the tour and learn about football alongside her students. 

“It's so easy as an international student to sit on the outside of a culture and not understand what's going on on the inside,” she said. “By coming to an event like this, it actually opens the door — or the gate to the stadium — so that you can not just be an observer, but a participant in the event as well. That's what builds community.”