Design by Katie Doyle

Amid paying high tuition fees, adjusting to a new country, and trying to learn the material in what, for many, is a second or third language, international students are now faced with the challenge of not returning to their home countries for the holidays. Due to COVID-19 restrictions and government-imposed policies, many students aren’t able to travel internationally and will celebrate the holidays without their families. 

Nancy Xu, a second-year student at George Brown College (GBC), is experiencing this scenario. As soon as the pandemic began, she wanted to book a flight to China and live with her family. But since the Chinese government issued a travel ban along with further entry restrictions, Xu is forced to stay in Canada until the pandemic subsides. 

“I want to go back to China,” said Xu. “But, I can’t go back to China at all because the customs haven’t reopened for foreigners. And I have an American passport.” 

Although Xu felt indifferent about the lockdown when it began, she started to feel the impacts of online school during her Fall 2020 semester. 

“Honestly from the start [of the pandemic], I was enjoying the isolation from crowds,” said Xu. “Since I’m that type of person who likes to stay at home with enough living support. However, since the city began to be locked down, it gradually influenced [my lifestyle].” 

Xu’s sleeping patterns changed after the introduction of online school as she found herself constantly sleeping during the day and waking up in the evening to complete homework. Although Xu did not have the chance to return to China, other international students who elected to stay in Canada for different reasons have experienced the same effects as her. 

Claire Hung, a second-year international student from Taiwan decided to stay in Canada to abide by health and safety measures and to finish her program. 

“I would really love to fly back to Taiwan because it’s still risky to go anywhere in Canada,” said Hung. “But I must stay to complete my program since I’m too old to postpone it.” 

Although some prefered to stay in Canada for the school year during the pandemic, they have realized that these circumstances are different for the holiday season, since they are celebrating the traditions without their parents. By staying in a foreign country, students realized that they may have to celebrate the holidays by themselves. However, with COVID-19 restrictions, it is difficult for them to travel or experience more of the country for Christmas and New Years celebrations.

“I can’t really go out,” said Hung. “But at least I can rest more.” 

On top of spending the holidays by themselves, international students reminisce about the camaraderie between their families and relatives. According to Sophia Arbabi, a second-year international student from Iran, the feelings of disappointment are common among other international students. 

“It’s not easy to calm down,” said Arbabi.

Like Hung, Arbabi moved to Toronto in January to start the Fashion Management program at GBC and, after shutdown began, decided to stay in Canada to focus on completing her program. The start of the pandemic took her by surprise, and now she continues to struggle with balancing her mental health along with tedious school projects, especially during the holiday season. 

“I felt stress and worry,” said Arbabi. “Health is the most important thing in our life, and being an international student, I’m worried about how to learn while living in a foreign country. I’m also worried about my family, and I’m concerned for their health as well.” 

Xu, Hung and Arbabi all reiterate the loneliness they feel during the holiday season, but, luckily, all of them have a companion living with them. Hung is living with her boyfriend; Xu shares a house with her sister; and Arbabi lives with a friend. When December arrived, they all exchanged gifts with their roommates. This experience may be different for international students who are living alone, but the ones that continue to find support when speaking with their friends and classmates. 

Since Hung is living with her boyfriend, they have discovered new ways to celebrate the holidays together while staying indoors. 

“All we did for the holiday was set up a Christmas tree,” said Hung. “We may cook lots of food together on Christmas since it’s his family tradition.” 

But even when students are not able to see their parents, they try their best to keep in touch. For some, that could mean starting a Whatsapp group to text about their experiences. For others, they may schedule regular video chats to catch up on current events. Hung says her parents are like friends. 

“I don’t feel stressed and lonely without my parents since they are more like my friends,” said Hung. “When I want to chat I’ll call them and vice versa, but mostly, we text to share some boring stuff or complain about life.” 

Arbabi continues to feel grateful for her parents’ support when trying to complete her coursework throughout the exam season. However, she feels more hopeful about the future as time passes. 

“All international students feel bored right now,” said Arbabi. “However, we are looking to our future with hope.” 

International students are trying to get through a holiday period without their families by catching up with close friends. However, many wish to accomplish goals regardless of how stressful the final exam season becomes. To Hung and Arbabi, graduating from school is the primary goal they have in mind. In the meantime, they say that nothing will disturb them from accomplishing their plans. 

“There’s always unexpected things in life, and it’s inevitable,” said Hung. “You lose but you’ll also gain somehow.”