(Dan Tri) - Tet is an occasion for everyone to return to their families and gather around a warm meal. But for international students pursuing their dreams in a foreign land, Tet has a different meaning, both familiar and distant.
The story of Ho Khanh Linh (born 2004), Vu Bich Chi (born 2001) and Nguyen Ngoc Phuong Anh (born 2004) is not only the personal story of three young girls but also the common sentiment of many Vietnamese students studying abroad on their journey far from home.
Nostalgia for traditional Tet in the hearts of expatriates
As a data and AI collaborator at the Complex Risk Analysis Foundation (CRAF'd) at the United Nations, Vu Bich Chi always longs for her family's traditional Tet holiday.
The image of the bustling Tet market, the colorful stalls, the blooming apricot and peach blossoms, the fragrant cakes and jams, and the familiar dishes cooked by her grandmother - all are still intact in her memory. When she was still in her hometown, these things seemed to repeat themselves every spring, but only when she left did she feel the full value of Tet.
Vu Bich Chi is working at the Complex Risk Analysis Foundation (CRAF'd) of the United Nations (Photo: NVCC).
Even though she lives abroad, Chi always tries to preserve the spirit of Tet by introducing the beauty of Vietnamese culture to international friends. "I often tell them about the meaning of lucky money envelopes, about the custom of exchanging good wishes at the beginning of the year. Just simple things like that help me feel closer to my homeland, and at the same time spread Vietnamese cultural values to friends everywhere."
For Ho Khanh Linh, an American student majoring in Entrepreneurship at Muma College of Business and Econometrics at the College of Arts and Science, Tet is an unforgettable memory. It has been three years since she had the opportunity to return to Vietnam to reunite with her family for a New Year's Eve meal.
"During Tet, I could only video call home and watch everyone gather around the dinner table, unable to hold back my tears. The feeling of sadness and homesickness at that time was hard to describe," she emotionally confided.
Nguyen Ngoc Phuong Anh won scholarships worth more than 5 billion VND from 3 American universities (Photo: NVCC).
Nguyen Ngoc Phuong Anh, a Vietnamese female student who won scholarships worth more than 5 billion VND from 3 American universities, chose to recall the taste of Tet in her homeland by making banh chung herself.
"Although the finished product is not really perfect, I am still happy because I can keep a bit of the traditional holiday atmosphere," she shared. Not only that, the 10x girl also searched for Vietnamese ham and ginger jam at Asian supermarkets, so that each familiar flavor can help ease her homesickness.
Special New Year's Eve Experiences
Although she could not fully enjoy the Tet atmosphere at home, Bich Chi still found joy in the unique New Year experiences in the US. She had the opportunity to immerse herself in the colorful festival atmosphere from many different cultures.
Because she has friends from many countries, Chi and everyone else often count down together many times a day to welcome the new year according to each time zone. "Each countdown is a moment of connection, as if I am sharing the joy with family and friends all over the world," she recalled.
Ho Khanh Linh is majoring in Entrepreneurship at Muma College of Business and Econometrics at College of Arts and Science in the US (Photo: NVCC).
In the United States, the New Year is always welcomed with brilliant fireworks displays, creating a vibrant atmosphere. But instead of just participating in outdoor festivals, Chi and her friends often choose to welcome the New Year in their own way - such as going fishing, organizing small parties and giving each other good wishes.
"Although each culture has a different way of welcoming the New Year, everyone wants to start the year with joy, hope and connection with loved ones. That is the core value of Tet, no matter where in the world," Chi confided.
Even though there are times when she feels lonely or sad when celebrating Tet far from home, Khanh Linh always reminds herself and hopes that Vietnamese students studying abroad will do the same: "Remember that you are leaving to pursue your studies, and Tet is always there, waiting for the day you return." That thought becomes the motivation for her to try her best to study and work, hoping to graduate soon to return home to reunite with her family.
The Year of the Snake has arrived. Hopefully, every international student, no matter where they are in the world, no matter how they celebrate Tet, will still find warmth in the little things: a phone call home, a meal with friends, or simply a moment of silence to remember their homeland.
May the new year bring you all good health, happiness and new opportunities. No matter what challenges lie ahead, stay strong and confident, because back home, your family and loved ones are always watching and waiting for the day of reunion.
Source: https://dantri.com.vn/giao-duc/tet-xa-que-noi-nho-va-trai-nghiem-thu-vi-cua-nu-du-hoc-sinh-viet-20250130192600935.htm
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