Rising costs, unpredictable logistics, and cultural traditions shape the holiday experiences of CSI’s international students as they prepare to celebrate Christmas and New Year.
By: Arbish Afsar
For these students, returning home is not just about celebrating the holidays; it’s a chance to reconnect with their cultural roots as well as traditions.
Aleksandra Arandelovic, an Italian student from Italy, expressed her eagerness to celebrate with her family after months apart.
“Missing out would be painful. I haven’t seen my parents and dog in almost four months,” Arandelovic said. “I feel like I need to be with them.”
The emotional weight of the holidays underscore the importance of family connections during this festive season. For many international students, the holidays serve as a deep reminder of home and the traditions they cherish. However, holiday airfare posed a challenge
“The cost for tickets was a major issue,” Arandelovic said. “I had to choose the date that cost less, even if I would have preferred another day. The prices rise very quickly.”
The rising costs of travel aren’t the only problems international students face. For some, geographical and natural factors add even more unpredictability to their holiday plans.
Sara Musco, an international student from Sicily, is also facing significant travel challenges as she plans to return home for the holidays.
“Not only are there high costs, but there’s also a lack of reliable transportation,” Musco said. “Sometimes during the Christmas period, the Sicilian volcano doesn’t allow some planes to reach the land.”
With Catania Airport frequently affected by volcanic activity from Mount Etna, Musco worries about the potential cancellations and delays that could prevent her from making it home in time for family celebrations.
For others, the holiday season is shaped by unique cultural traditions that carry deep significance. In Sri Lanka, New Year’s celebrations are steeped in symbolism and precise timing.
Poornima Sewwandi, a student from Sri Lanka, shared her country’s unique New Year traditions that she looks forward to celebrating with her family.
“In my country, we have specific times for eating and leaving home during New Year,” Sewwandi said. “It’s considered that we will have a lucky year if we do it like that.”
Such traditions symbolize prosperity and abundance as families gather to celebrate together.
As Christmas and New Year approach, these students show a strong desire to keep their cultural ties while managing the challenges of holiday travel. Their stories reflect not only their struggles but also the strength found in family and community, reminding us how important these connections are during the festive season.
“Going back home as an international student feels like completing a difficult assignment,” Musco said. “But meeting my family is like getting a good grade after all the hard work.”
