You've booked your flights, bought your train tickets or filled up your gas tank. The suitcases are packed and you've been counting down the days until you leave to celebrate Thanksgiving in the comfort of your own home. The only thing that's been getting you through the seemingly endless assignments and midterms is the thought of spending a few surrounded by friends and family.
Spare a thought, though, for UB's international students. What do they make of this curiously American celebration?
When classes end on Nov. 22, students and faculty from New York and other parts of the country will be heading home. Those left behind have a variety of options on how to spend their break.
Ellen Dussourd, director of International Student and Scholar Services, said many international students take advantage of the vacation to sightsee.
"Many international students travel during Thanksgiving break to visit relatives and friends in the U.S.," said Dussourd. She also said that although there are currently no specific programs in place for international students, it is something ISSS is looking into.
Dussourd said a change of scenery, a chance to see a new place, and inexpensive traveling costs can make a short holiday an attractive option. With the airport so close by, Buffalo is a good base to travel from. Toronto, New York, Washington and Chicago are all within easy flying distance and have lots to offer to a curious tourist to the States.
Some international students will spend the holiday by visiting with extended family in America, or they choose to spend the time with new friends they've met since being at UB.
"I am going to Rochester, to stay with family for a few days," said Nathaniel Haye, a junior American studies major from England. "I'm looking forward to spending the break learning more about the significance of the day and also eating traditional American food."
With the emphasis being on family togetherness, Dussourd said that the Thanksgiving break could be a lonely time for foreign students. Many Americans travel a long way across the nation to meet with their families, but for international students who's loved ones are thousands of miles and a hefty airfare away, some find themselves at a loose end.
"Other students stay in Buffalo to get ahead in their coursework. Some are invited to their American roommates' homes for the break," said Dussourd.
For the international students who choose to stay on campus, the extended weekend is the perfect opportunity to catch up on homework, sleep, or both. Campus is undoubtedly quiet and, although there are limited bus and food services, a few days with nothing to do but relax can be an appealing thought.
"I have plans to travel later in the year and decided to stay in the dorms over Thanksgiving," said Mobain Shaikh, a freshman computer science major from India. "I have friends from abroad who are also staying, so we're going to stock up on food and just chill out for a few days."
For those who come to UB to soak up the American culture as well as to study, Thanksgiving is one of those wonderfully traditional things, something exclusively American. As a much loved celebration of both history and family, it is a new experience for almost all international students.
There are celebrations of history and harvests across the globe but nothing quite compares to Thanksgiving for an all-American experience.
A few of the residence halls are available to stay in over the vacation, as long as students have reserved their places in advance. Buses will be running on weekend schedules so those staying will still be able to get around.
