By Katie jo van den Bogaert | Staff Writer
During spring break, international students either hunker down on Whitworth’s campus or plan trips all over the country. While local students get to spend breaks at home with their families, many international students don’t have that option.
Niraj Pandey, a sophomore student from Nepal, hasn’t been home in almost two years because the flight would cost $1,600. “It’s not worth it,” Prandey said.
He said that the hardest part of being so far from home is being alone in his dorm room during the academic breaks. Pandey said that he knew before he came to Whitworth that he wouldn’t be able to travel home, but that doesn’t make it any easier. According to PittsNews, the University of Pittsburgh student newspaper, many international students are willing to overlook the lonely stay over breaks for high-quality education.
Hui Yi Soh, a sophomore student from Malaysia, said being on campus can be lonely. “Breaks are usually a time when I can be with my family, so it’s hard that I’m alone.”
Montana local Gracie Smyley’s said that she had never considered staying on campus for the break and would find it very hard to be away from her family.
Lulu Gonzalez, the assistant director of the Whitworth International Student Club (ISC), said that breaks are especially hard for international students[s1].
“It gives me peace of mind knowing that the ISC community is very close, and during these tough times, they can come together and play games, watch movies, go shopping downtown…” Gonzalez said.
U.S. News writes that international students should consider sightseeing around the country during their breaks. Telmen Amarbayasgalan, an international student from Mongolia agrees, “I love breaks because it is an opportunity to explore. When in America, why not see all the sights?”
Amarbayasgalan said that she recognizes that not everyone has the financial capabilities to travel, but she encourages students to take those opportunities if they are there.
International students show resilience in periods of loneliness, as evidenced by this statement from Pandey: “One week of being alone is worth it because of how much fun I have every other day of the year.”