In the ninth episode of the eighth season of the sitcom Friends, one of the characters (Joey) eats an entire 19-pound turkey on Thanksgiving.

Cutting into his own slice of turkey, Omkar Reddy said, “I had to know what it was all about!” 

Reddy, who is studying for a master’s degree in data science at Northeastern, was among the hundred or so students sitting down for a traditional Thanksgiving lunch at an event hosted by the university’s Office of Global Services on Monday.

“I watch Friends all the time, and Joey is always asking for more turkey,” Reddy said with a laugh. “I wanted to experience an American Thanksgiving.”

Reddy is originally from Hyderabad, India, so this was his first, he said.  

And the turkey?

“Definitely lives up to the hype,” Reddy said.

Across the table, Zigeng Fu tried his first taste of turkey, too. 

“Delicious,” he said, taking a bite.

Fu, who is studying information systems at Northeastern, is originally from Beijing, China, and wanted to experience “some traditional American events,” he said.

Nearby, Mrinalini Ramakandh, who is a student from Bangalore, India, echoed Fu’s sentiment.

“This is my first Thanksgiving,” she said. Ramakandh eyed a growing list of index cards across the room, on which students had written what they were grateful for. “I’m looking forward to saying thanks,” she added.

Monday’s event was one of several on the Boston campus to help students feel at home and celebrate the holiday. Here are other events:

• Levine Marketplace in Stetson East will serve traditional Thanksgiving meals for lunch and dinner on Thursday, Nov. 28, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Various living communities are hosting Thanksgiving dinners on Thursday, Nov. 28. The time and place varies per residence hall. 

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