The holiday season is hard to beat. Twinkling lights, cozy sweaters, and plenty of treats. Now imagine all of that, but abroad. Pure magic. Celebrating Thanksgiving through New Year’s in a new country brings fresh traditions, new experiences, and plenty to explore. It’s incredibly exciting, but it can also make you miss the familiar comforts of home, which is completely natural.
We’re here to help! Read below for our top three tips for making the most of the holidays while abroad:
1. Get the Party Started
Being abroad doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the holidays you love. Invite your friends, American students, AND new international friends to a Friendsgiving, holiday potluck, gift exchange, or themed dinner. Celebrating your favorite traditions is a great way to build community when you’re far from home.
2. Try Something New
One of the greatest gifts of studying abroad is getting to experience a culture different from your own, so lean into it, especially during the holidays.
Get to know the local holidays and traditions in your host city and how they celebrate them.What traditions make this season unique to your host community? Stay curious and explore the culture right in front of you! The more you engage with local customs, the more connected you’ll feel to your city and the people in it.
And truly, when else will you get to say you celebrated St. Andrew’s Day in Scotland, visited the “Capital of Christmas” in Strasbourg, or watched Three Kings’ Day parades in Madrid?
3. Busy, Busy, Busy
The last thing you want during the holidays is to feel isolated or homesick. Creating a plan, even a simple one, can make all the difference. Try exploring somewhere new, joining a local event, or planning an activity that reminds you of how special your experience abroad truly is.
Take Cassidy, for example. She spent her Fourth of July in Florence on a wine-tasting excursion:
“I spent my Independence Day trekking across the countryside exploring medieval towns and trying the finest wines in Tuscany. All organized through API, I got to relax and enjoy the day with my new friends in Italy!”
Pro tip: API excursions are an incredible way to explore the world without the stress of planning. Check what excursions or activities are happening around the holidays and take advantage of them!
Remember, You’re Not Alone!
Being far from home during the holidays can be challenging, but keep in mind you’re supported every step of the way. Your API Resident Directors, on-site staff, and new friends abroad are there to help you. Plus, your loved ones are just a phone call away!
This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to grow, explore, and experience the world in a unique way. Don’t let a single moment go to waste! Lean in, enjoy the traditions around you, create new traditions of your own, and discover meaningful ways to celebrate the season wherever you are. Happy holidays!
