This time of the year is a favorite for most people around the world, with family and friends coming together for a special season. Between the traditions and celebrations, the Christmas season is better spending it with your favorite people.
However, not everyone is going home for the holidays.
With Rose Hill High School hosting three foreign exchange students this school year, the high school students and host families are going out of their way to make the United States feel like home away from home.
Senior exchange student Clara Nuno is beyond thankful for everyone making the holidays a little easier.
“Being away from your home is not easy, you miss your family and friends but it’s worth it,” Nuno said. “My host family has been a great support for me and I’m very grateful. Rose Hill High School welcomed me from the beginning and always cared about me. Coming here has given me new experiences, new friends and many other things.”
Being away from family and friends can be hard, but exchange student Alba Pesquera knows that no matter the miles, she and her family will be celebrating together around the world.
“Sometimes it is difficult to be in another country because you are not with your loved ones and friends, there are many moments when you feel alone and that you need to be with your family,” Pesquera said. “There are many times that you would like to be sharing the incredible moments that you live here with your family, but you can’t because you are miles away, but since I came my host family has made me feel welcomed as best as possible so that I feel at home, and Rose Hill has made me feel like just another student with all the help possible.”
With traditions different for every family, all of the exchange students are excited to learn new traditions and celebrations.
“It is hard for me to celebrate Christmas this year without my family on the other side of the world,” Melissa Rees said. “Normally I celebrate Christmas at my grandparents house with snow and this year I will be in Florida by the ocean. It is very different, but I am excited to learn about my host family’s Christmas traditions.”
