The experience of international students who will be on campus for the holidays.
Written by Aaron Inskeep
Last November, I decided to celebrate my birthday at the movie theater by watching a film from my favorite director Alexander Payne. The film, “The Holdovers,” played at my local Cinemark, and I could not wait.
From the moment I sat down, I was transfixed on what I was watching – a beautiful story about students who were staying at their boarding school over winter break.
I have never been to a boarding school, however, I have seen what it is like for students who are still at school while their classmates leave to be with their families. In my previous education, my roommate was from Delhi, India and the only time he was able to leave was during the long summer break.
In my efforts to make him feel at home, I invited him to all of my family gatherings in the winter of 2018, and, much like “The Holdovers,” it was an unforgettably transcendent experience. He got to light a menorah, decorate a Christmas tree and kiss my neighbor as the ball dropped on New Years Eve.
As the holidays are now quickly approaching, this gave me pause. What is it like for international students at Cleveland State University (CSU) who are staying for the holidays?
CSU has a plethora of international students. Whether they be from Nigeria, El Salvador, India, Germany, Vietnam or Pakistan, the reach of CSU knows no bounds.
In search of an answer to my question, I reached out to the Center for International Services and Programs in Berkman Hall.
There, I met administrative specialist Audrey Hancock and told her my idea. I wanted to survey any international students who will be Cleveland bound this winter.
Questions ranged in variety as I wanted to really get a feel for the emotions these students must be feeling. The question that resulted in the most powerful answers was simple: what will they miss about their home country?
The answers were relatable to any native Clevelander as most students said they will be missing the food, family and friends. These things are the cornerstone to any good holiday celebration.
Digging deeper, I made a point to ask, “how does being away from home make you feel?”
The responses were eye-opening, as first year student Vrushabh Jain gave a moving reply to this question.
“Being away from home makes me feel all alone and that is exhausting,” Jain said.
Who among us has not felt alone in one way or another? I cannot imagine how any of these students must feel being thousands of miles away from their loved ones.
To my fellow CSU students, please keep our international students in mind this winter break and holiday season.