The end of the year is a time for conclusions, resolutions, and celebrations. As an international student abroad, celebrating the New Year in a new environment can be one of the most exciting things ever. New people, new locations, and newly gained independence — all of this sounds like the perfect setup for the end-of-year bash. But, like most things in the life of an expat, it's not that simple.
Celebrating New Year abroad can bring up a lot of mixed feelings and concerns. You may start to feel lonely, even if you are surrounded by new classmates and friends. You may feel out of place — especially if your new destination is culturally different from your cozy and familiar hometown. Overall, celebrating New Year abroad can be both wonderful and challenging. And this is what we are looking into today.
Celebrating New Year abroad: Useful practices
As we've mentioned above, there may be a whole array of feelings that you could be going through when getting ready for New Year celebrations abroad. This is why it's a good idea to have an action plan that will help you stay focused if emotions get the best of you.
Here are some ideas that you may find useful.
Research local traditions ahead of time
It's always best to have as much information as possible before deciding. The more you know about what happens on New Year in your new destination, the better you can plan your festivities. For instance, you may realize that the city you are in has lots of fun events for New Year that you may be really interested in attending. Or, you may discover that local New Year celebrations may not be your cup of tea and prefer to spend the day on a Whatsapp call with your family.
- A great way to begin your research may be a simple online search or a quick surf of social media. This will give you a quick overview of New Yea celebration options — plus, you may be able to interact with organizers/attendees directly.
- Connecting with local friends and classmates is another invaluable way to learn about New Year traditions. Not only can they provide firsthand insights, but they may also invite you to join in their celebrations, offering a truly authentic experience.
- Your university is also a great source of information. You can inquire with the university management if there are any events organized for the holidays, check with university clubs, talk to your classmates, and more.
- Community boards, often found in public spaces like libraries, universities, and local cafes, can be a treasure trove of information about upcoming New Year events. These could range from public countdowns and fireworks displays to concerts and cultural festivals.
Get out of your comfort zone
Attending a new event with new people in a new country can be challenging. But, in many cases, pushing yourself out of your comfort zone can be a good thing to speed up your adaptation.
- Universities are often particularly active during the holiday season, organizing various events for their students. These events are not only a great way to celebrate but also an excellent opportunity to meet new people and make friends. Keep an eye on university event calendars, social media pages, and notice boards for information about New Year celebrations. Many universities also have international student offices that specifically organize events for students spending the holidays away from home.
- Take advantage of weekends and holidays to explore nearby towns, cities, or natural attractions. If you are planning to venture outside familiar surroundings, it may be best to go on an organized tour. This will not only broaden your experience of the country but also allow you to expand your circles organically.
- Engage in language exchange programs and use social media platforms to find and interact with other international students. Attend cultural events and workshops, and consider joining or volunteering for 'buddy' programs. Organize or join social gatherings and outings and explore shared living arrangements. The holiday can be a great way to build or enhance your support network and feel more comfortable in the new country.
Stay connected with family and friends back home
You may be eager to start your new life with your new friends. But staying connected with family and friends back home is crucial for international students, especially during the end-of-year celebrations. Here are some practical tips to help you maintain these important relationships:
- Set up regular video calls with your family and friends through platforms like Zoom, Skype, or WhatsApp. Try to schedule them during festive moments, such as during a family dinner back home or when you're celebrating locally, so you can share the experiences in real time.
- It's a good idea to document celebrations in your current location. You can then share up photos and videos with family back home, helping them experience life abroad through your eyes. This will also make it easier for your friends and family to understand what challenges you may be experiencing loving on your own in a new country.
Create your own traditions
Living abroad is a great way to enrich your New Year traditions and mix the old with the new.
- Invite friends over for an international potluck party and ask everyone to bring a dish from their homeland. This will let you create a fun and relaxed space for cultural exchange where everyone will have a chance to pick up some new ideas for their own festivities.
- Keep a journal or blog about your end-of-year experiences abroad. This not only serves as a keepsake but also allows you to process your feelings about this unique period in your life.
Summing up
Spending your first New Year abroad as an international student can be complicated. It's okay to feel a whole array of feelings. The best strategy here is to prepare yourself for being emotional and create a plan in advance. This will help you stay focused, active, and entertained. Keep in mind that one day, you will be looking back on this time as a fond memory — so make sure you create some.
