International students combat homesickness with holiday feast

Dozens of international students struggling with holiday homesickness enjoyed an early Christmas dinner at Harvest Table.

“We enjoy this festival a lot,” said Amita Mehta, a St. Clair College student from India. “We are not with our families. I just miss my family a lot.”

The St. Clair College Public Relations Club organized the event. This was the second year.

“The main issue international students face is that they are away from their family and friends,” said Kyson Metcalfe, the vice president of Public Relations Club. “A lot of them feel isolated and alone, that was the main reason, to make them feel welcomed and at home.”

The international students had a holiday feast and there was even a surprise visit by Santa Claus.

The event was happy and festive and filled with song as students sang Christmas songs in their native tongues, including Punjabi.