TROY, Ala. (TROJANVISION) — For many students, football is a familiar part of the college experience, but for international students, understanding the game can take some time.

That’s where Football 101 comes in.

The event gave international students a behind-the-scenes look at Troy’s football facilities, introducing them to the basics of American football, and see firsthand what game day looks like at Troy, an experience that some students can’t get back home.

“In Germany I can always watch it in front of the TV and here I can actually live the experience in the stands and the stadium. It’s pretty cool,” said Jan-Henning Geiken, an international student from Germany.

Organizers said the goal goes beyond simply teaching students how the game works. It’s about making sure international students feel just as connected to Troy Athletics as everyone else.

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“Not just them being international students, they’re students just like the regular student body here,” said Jamaal Smith, the Chief of Staff for Troy football.

“The fact of international students here too, you add in a touch into somebody that may not know nothing about American football. It adds to what we call the One Troy, to teach them what we’re all about.”

For some students, getting involved is exactly what Football 101 is all about.

“As international students, it was really important to me to get really involved on campus. And then I came here and saw girls giving the tour, and I told myself that I also want to give tours,” said Zahra Valiyeva, an international student from Turkey who helped with the tour.

By opening the doors to Troy Athletics, Football 101 hopes to turn international students from spectators into an active part of the Trojan community.