Many exchange students feel a little sad or emotional during the holidays. You might miss your family, your food, your traditions, or something special that normally happens at this time of year. This is totally normal. You can still enjoy the holidays in the United States and take good care of yourself.
Here is your Holiday Survival Kit, written in seven simple steps you can follow.
1. Join Your Host Family’s Traditions
Your host family may have special habits, activities, or food they enjoy during this time of year. Ask them about it. Join them if you can. Helping with cooking, decorating, or small activities can help you feel more connected to the family.
2. Find Ways to Share Your Holiday Traditions
What is Christmas like in your country? What if you don't celebrate Christmas in your country? The holiday season is a great time to share all kinds of holiday foods and traditions. This is a beautiful and unique gift you can give your host family.
3. Celebrate Your Own Holiday in a Small Way
And maybe the holiday you miss is not Christmas. Maybe it is another holiday from your country. Even if nobody celebrates it in the United States, you can still do something small to remember it. You can wear a special color, listen to music from home or make a simple food, Even small actions can make you feel better.
4. Keep Calls Home Short and Positive
A quick, happy call to your family can help you feel close to them. Long, emotional calls sometimes make you feel more sad. Try to call for a short time and focus on good news.
5. Ask Your Coordinator for Support
Your coordinator wants to help you, but they can feel worried if they think something is very wrong. When you contact them, ask them for advice about how to stay positive. This helps the coordinator understand that you are safe and only need ideas, not emergency help.
6. Stay Active in Your Daily Life
Moving your body and keeping your mind busy can make you feel more positive. You can join winter sports, cook or bake with your host family, take photos, go outside for a short walk, join school activities, visit local events, or do volunteer work. Being active helps reduce sadness and builds confidence.
7. Remember Your Growth
This holiday season is part of your exchange story. You are learning, growing, and discovering new things about yourself. Even if you miss your holidays at home, you are becoming stronger and more independent. This experience will help you for many years in the future. You are doing very well.
Remember this. You are not alone. Thousands of students around the world are living this same experience right now. You are brave, you are growing, and you are creating a life story that is bigger than any single holiday. Keep going. Your future self will be proud of you.
