At SUNY Cortland, there are approximately 35 international students on campus each year. During the short breaks we have, a lot of them stay in Cortland. I talked to two of these students who went to Cortland last year about their experiences during Thanksgiving break. If you are currently an international student and are staying in Cortland over break, read on to discover their experiences and learn some tips for making the most of your time!
While breaks offer a chance for fun and relaxation, staying on campus can sometimes feel isolating, especially when the majority of students head home. If you find yourself in this situation during Thanksgiving break, you should try and make the most of it. Although Thanksgiving isn’t celebrated in all countries, it can be a day of gratitude and reflection for all.
One of my friends, an international student from Spain who was also my former roommate, spent her Thanksgiving in Washington, DC last year. Although she wasn’t on campus during the holiday, she told me that before Thanksgiving they had a jackpot dinner with the internationals where they all brought treats or food from the countries they’re from. She told me how it was her “fav celebration because we do not have it here in Spain with the turkey and the parades and it was so much fun to experience it.” It was a celebration of cultural change, a combination of flavors and stories from around the world.
Another friend, an international student from France, stayed in Cortland last year for Thanksgiving and shared her experience with me. She expressed how the international students were invited to a faculty member’s house for a Thanksgiving dinner. This was a special invitation that brought students and faculty together like family, making everyone feel included and connected in a really meaningful way. She said, “we had dinner with his family as a real Thanksgiving dinner, that was really cool! And all this food! Amazing haha! I think we were about 10 international students there!”
For those staying on campus during the break, take advantage of the quieter Student Life Center, enjoy the opportunity to relax and unplug, and consider organizing get-togethers with fellow students. One idea is to host a Friendsgiving, a Thanksgiving celebration among friends instead of family. Each person can contribute to the feast, bringing turkey, mashed potatoes, pumpkin pie, or any preferred dish. It’s a chance to share a delicious meal and create lasting memories. You can even play card games or go around the room saying what you are thankful for.
If you are an international student at Cortland this year, make the most of your Thanksgiving break and spend the day practicing gratitude and cherishing those around you. Make it a time of connection and celebration, creating your own unique traditions on campus.