International Student Newsletter

Dear International Students,

Welcome to the December issue of the newsletter. As the end of semester approaches, in the Announcements section, learn tools to help navigate finals and lower the stress by attending one of the ERC’s Get Ready for Finals Workshops and consider attending the Wellbeing Experience Fair on December 8. Also, BU Athletics and Global Programs are offering free tickets to BU athletic games during intersession for all international students who are staying in Boston. You can sign up to receive more information by completing a brief survey in the Announcement section below. In the Employment in the U.S. section, meet graduate student Sanket Gemawat (MET’22), who reflects on his internship experience, and the resources he used to find it. In Culture Corner learn about the three December holidays celebrated in the U.S.

We wish you a healthy and successful remainder of the fall semester, and restorative winter break! Congratulations to all graduating Terriers!

Announcements

someone burying their head in a book

Get Ready for Finals

Attend one of two virtual “Get Ready for Finals” workshops by the ERC to help you get into the “finals mindset” and lower the stress that comes with realizing that finals are just a few weeks away. Then attend a virtual Mindful Movement Yoga practice or any of the support groups offered by Student Health Services to encourage calmness and increase resilience during this time.

students collaborating at a whiteboard

Wellbeing Fair

On Thursday, December 8 (2-7 pm), BU Wellbeing is hosting “The Wellbeing Experience” in the Metcalf Ballroom (GSU 2nd floor). By visiting unique stations, students will experience wellbeing activities that promote community, relaxation, gratitude, creativity and play. Food and refreshments will be served.

cartoon hockey figure

FREE Tickets to BU Athletic Games During Intercession

BU Athletics and Global Programs are offering free tickets to international students staying in university housing during the winter intersession for different athletics games, including men’s and women’s basketball and ice hockey. The games will take place between December 21 and January 20. If you will be staying in Boston during intercession, and are interested in receiving further information, please complete this 3-question survey.

Upcoming Events

Full Calendar

Employment in the U.S.

Sanket Gemawat smiling

A Word from Students

BU graduate student, Sanket Gemawat (MET’22) reflects on his internship at non-profit WATCH CDC, and shares advice with international students.

Read the Full Story

Culture Corner

December holidays in the United States

Christmas

Christmas is the annual Christian holiday celebrating Christ’s birth, held on December 25. Some ancient holiday symbols/traditions include Christmas trees/evergreens (associated with eternal life), mistletoe (an ancient symbol from the Roman times; it was under mistletoe that broken friendship were restored), bells (associated with ringing out good news), and the color red.

The United States is a multi-cultural nation, and many families adopt different traditions and celebrations. The holiday symbolizes family, togetherness, coziness, and expressions of joy.

Traditional Christmas recipes include ham, green bean casserole, fruitcake, and eggnog. Cookie baking and gingerbread house decorating are also common.

Source and more information about Christmas can be found here.

Hanukkah

Hanukkah is the Jewish eight-day, wintertime “festival of lights,” celebrated with a nightly menorah lighting, special blessings, songs, and prayer. The holiday celebrates the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem after driving out Greek rule and religion. At the heart of the festival is the nightly menorah lighting. The menorah holds nine flames, one of which is the shamash (“attendant”), which is used to kindle the other eight lights. During the holiday, it is customary to eat foods fried in oil. Children receive Hanukkah-themed chocolate coins wrapped in gold or silver foil and play the dreidel game. In 2022, Hanukkah is celebrated December 18 through December 26.

Traditional Hanukkah recipes include potato latkes and jam-filled donuts.

Source and more information about Hanukkah can be found here.

Kwanzaa

Kwanzaa is a weeklong cultural holiday that celebrates African heritage and identity. It was first celebrated in the United States in 1996 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, a professor of Africana Studies, based on African harvest festival traditions from various parts of West and Southeast Africa. The holiday celebrates what its founder called the seven principles of Kwanzaa, including Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-determination), Ujima (Collective work and responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity), and Imani (Faith).

Kwanzaa is observed from December 26 to January 1 and culminates in gift giving and a meal shared with family and friends.

Traditional Kwanzaa recipes include collard greens, jollof rice and candied yams.

Source and more information about Kwanzaa can be found here.

The Compass

There are over 250 academic, housing, community, and employment resources currently on the Compass and each issue we will highlight two.

Previous Newsletter Issues