Newcomers to America — be they immigrants, refugees or even international students — have access to a variety of social services to help them begin a new life.

But do they feel like they belong?

That was the topic of discussion at the North Star Journey Live conversation recorded in Moorhead, Minn., on Nov. 21. MPR News senior reporter Sarah Thamer traveled to Concordia College for the international student potluck to talk with people who are dedicated to making the Fargo-Moorhead area welcoming.

The founder of the Fargo Moorhead International Potluck shared how food can be used as a bridge to cross cultures. Community leaders who work with the growing immigrant population in northwest Minnesota agreed that simple things like being able to find spices to replicate food from home goes a long way to making newcomers feel seen.

A trio of international students studying at Concordia also shared their experiences and offered advice on how to cultivate belonging amidst diversity. Pro tip: Don’t be afraid of discomfort. It’s a necessary part of the process.

Guests:

• Peter Schott is the founder of the Fargo-Moorhead International Potluck.
• Fowzia Adde is the executive director of the Immigrant Development Center in Moorhead.
• Zoë Absey is a board member at the New American Consortium for the Fargo-Moorhead region.
• Siam Shimul, Timea Vrabcova and Alecious Togbah are international students studying at Concordia College.

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Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.