Enjoying the Holiday Season in the U.S. as an International Student

Written by: Haley (she/her)

3 min read | Published: November 19, 2024

Image for Enjoying the Holiday Season in the U.S. as an International Student

Due to the high cost of travel, many international students stay in the United States during fall and winter breaks. If you’ve decided this is the best option for you this year, read on to learn four tips for celebrating the holiday season stateside.

Learn how Americans celebrate.

Every family has different traditions when it comes to recognizing each holiday. Be sure to take advantage of opportunities to join a classmate, a significant other or a roommate’s family for the holidays to learn more about how they celebrate. Staying in the U.S. throughout the holiday season may give you the chance to try new food associated with the holidays or venture out to a community holiday celebration. Many restaurants serve Thanksgiving-inspired meals or special holiday menus throughout the festive season. There are also many local events — such as parades, tree-lighting ceremonies and more — that you can attend.

Give back.

Another way to spend your time during school breaks and the holiday season is volunteering. You can choose to give back to the community by helping in a local soup kitchen or shelter. Find something you’re passionate about, whether it’s helping people, helping animals or helping the environment. Visiting retirement homes and assisted living facilities or helping at local shelters can be a wonderful way to connect with people who may be missing their families too. You could also perform random acts of kindness such as shoveling snow off sidewalks and walkways, clearing snow off people’s cars, or making thoughtful cards for patients at your local hospital. Online research is a great way to find volunteer opportunities in your area.

Take a trip.

While traveling home might be out of reach, a smaller trip to another city in the U.S. may not be. Breaks from school can be the perfect time to visit another place you’ve been wanting to see. You could choose to take a day trip within your state, a weekend excursion, or a longer vacation during your time off. The U.S. has a variety of landmarks, national parks and historical sites that are worth visiting. There are also a variety of climates throughout the country that can be explored. For example, if you’re going to school in a colder climate, you may be ready to go somewhere warmer. Make a list of the top three places you want to visit in the U.S. and research each option to see which will be best for the time you want to travel and your budget.

Share traditions.

Many people choose to celebrate with friends over the holidays through parties like Friendsgiving — a Thanksgiving-style celebration with friends rather than family. Try hosting a potluck dinner where everyone brings a dish they love from home. This can be a fantastic way to learn more about everyone’s holiday traditions and spend time with your friends before a break from school. You can also host a Friendsgiving with other international students staying in the U.S. for the holidays. This is an enjoyable way to spend time with people who may be missing home too. If you end up attending holiday celebrations with a friend’s family, consider bringing a dish from home to share or recommend a game or tradition you enjoy at home for everyone to participate in.

Finally, whether you decide to learn more about how Americans celebrate the holidays, spend time with friends and share your own traditions, give back, or take a trip, I hope you enjoy your time in the U.S. during this joyous season. Be sure to make the most of your break by engaging in new experiences and taking time to relax and recharge. Happy holidays!