Thanksgiving Far From Home: International Student Perspective
By Priyasha Chakravarti
For the nearly 2,000 Georgetown international graduate students, Thanksgiving can be both familiar and foreign. It is a moment to pause in the rhythm of the semester, yet students may be far from the traditions and families they’ve always known. As travel costs, distance, visa issues, and academic schedules keep many from traveling back home, international Grad Hoyas are creating new ways to mark the holidays here in the U.S.
When asked what she looks forward to the most on holiday break despite the long distance, Ana Nenadic shared her passion for discovering new surroundings.
“It is an opportunity to see the country and campus in a more joyful light,” said Ana Nenadic, Master of Arts in European Studies’27.
Thanksgiving offers international students a window into American culture and foods. For those away from family, “Friendsgiving” has become a cherished way to celebrate the holiday season. These gatherings, often hosted in apartments, dorm lounges, or campus spaces are occasions to share food, laughter, and stories. Many host international potlucks, sharing dishes from their own cultures.
“It’s nice to see people so excited about the holidays even though many of us at Georgetown are away from home,” said Arishka Nayak, Master of International Development ‘27.
At Georgetown, the Office of the President hosts a Thanksgiving Lunch for those staying in the area. While spots are limited, it is an annual festive event for students of all Georgetown schools to gather and share traditional Thanksgiving dishes. The McCourt School of Public Policy’s McCourt Student Association is hosting a McCourtsgiving, a shared thanksgiving potluck. Additionally, the School of Continuing Studies is hosting a Capitol Campus Thanksgiving Panel & Potluck as well.
“Georgetown has been incredible at making me feel at home,” said Nayak. “Even the way the McCourt building is designed for example, it encourages you to communicate with others. There are many international students around so it makes me feel less homesick.”
Beyond gatherings organized by the institution or student groups, Thanksgiving is also a chance for international Grad Hoyas to introduce classmates to their own harvest or gratitude festivals—Diwali, Mid-Autumn Festival, Onam, Chuseok etc. This can help deal with feeling homesick.
“You are not alone if you are feeling homesick. That goes for most transition moments as students navigate new environments. But it’s up to you how you make the most of your time here. It is important to connect with people in your surroundings,” Nenadic said.
There is also no shortage of things to do in the city itself. D.C. is always bustling around the holiday season. From holiday markets in Dupont Circle and downtown, turkey trots, Zoo Lights in the Smithsonian National Zoo, Mount Vernon’s Candlelit Tour, there is a vast array of fun and affordable (often free) for international Grad Hoyas to enjoy in D.C.
“I’m hoping to also explore places outside of D.C. like Great Falls and Rock Creek park,” Nayak said.
Ultimately, for international graduate students and all Hoyas alike, Thanksgiving is about slowing down, connecting with others, exploring new places, and sharing a moment of gratitude together.