Although most Harding students will head home to celebrate the upcoming Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, Harding’s 200 international students do not always have that option. So what do they do on these breaks?
For junior Hailey Park, a student from South Korea, going home for the holidays is not easy.
“Thanksgiving I usually go to a friend’s house but for Christmas I go to Boston and stay with families from my church,” Park said.
Park has not been home for Christmas in six years. But this year, she gets to go back. However, Christmas in South Korea is very different from Christmas in the U.S.
“I miss my family, especially during the holidays, so it will be good to be back,” Park said. “Christmas is more of a big deal for couples than for families. And instead of presents, we get money.”
Park said that money is given for being young and one must bow in order to receive it.
Junior Larissa Pinczuk also has the chance to go home this Christmas, unlike most international students. Pinczuk is from Waterloo, Ontario, and has been fortunate enough to go home every Christmas break.
“For Thanksgiving I usually visit my sister in Nashville, and go back to Canada at Christmas,” Pinczuk said.
Christmas is the only break Pinczuk spends at home.
For other students, like junior transfer Rick Jane from China, holidays can be a little depressing. This is Jane’s third month to be in the U.S. and his first Christmas here.
“I miss my family and friends so much,” Jane said. “But I am excited to see how Americans celebrate Christmas and Thanksgiving.”
For other students, housing international students is something that has become the new tradition. Senior Chris Ngu from South Africa has spent several holidays with his friend, senior Daniel Meeker.
“Having Chris stay with us is a good way for Chris to be around family for the holidays, when he can’t be with his own,” Meeker said.
The importance of being around family for the holidays is something Meeker takes for granted.
“For Chris to stay with my family has really made me thankful for mine, especially during the holidays, when family is so important,” Meeker said.
