The Importance of Spending Special Occasions for Foreign Students in Singapore

Being away from home can be both an exciting adventure and a stressful experience for international students studying in Singapore.  Getting to celebrate important events with their family back home is one factor that is vital to their general well-being and academic achievement.  For many Milchelians, going home for holidays like Chinese New Year is especially significant.  This post discusses the various reasons why spending special occasions with family is essential for foreign students in Singapore.  Here, we emphasize the positive impact it can have on students’ mental, emotional, and academic well-being.

Cultural Connection

On special occasions, Milchelians especially those from China and Thailand, among others, like to return to their home countries.  For them, it is a way to keep a strong bond with their cultural roots.  Chinese New Year is rooted in cultural traditions, and being home during CNY connects them to their tradition.  This connection provides a sense of identity and belonging, contributing to a more enriching cultural experience.

Emotional Well-being

It might be challenging and isolating to study abroad.  Celebrating joyous occasions with family provides foreign students a much-needed emotional lift.  The comfort and warmth of family gatherings during festivities create a supportive environment that helps reduce stress.  This emotional recharge is crucial for maintaining mental well-being, promoting a healthier mindset, and enhancing the overall study abroad experience.

Motivation and Energy Boost

Special occasions offer a break from the students’ demanding academic schedule.  These let students to recharge and return to their studies with renewed motivation.  The upcoming celebrations serves as a motivational factor, providing students with a goal to strive towards during their studies.  Knowing that a reunion with family is coming can serve as a powerful source of energy.  It helps students overcome academic challenges and navigate the stresses of studying overseas.

Family Support

An important factor in a student’s academic career is family support.  Having special events spent with family promotes encouragement and support.  With the knowledge that their family is at their side, students resume their studies with a stronger support system.  Students who get this support may perform better academically because they feel more safe and confident in pursuing their academic goals.

Creating Lasting Memories

Special occasions are opportunities to create lasting memories with family.  These memories become a source of comfort during challenging times and contribute to a well-rounded overseas-studying experience.  Having shared experiences with family adds a layer of depth to the overall narrative of a student’s time abroad, making it a more fulfilling and memorable chapter in their life.

The importance of Milchelians and other foreign students spending special occasions with their families, for example during Chinese New Year, cannot be overstated.  Beyond the cultural connection, it provides emotional well-being, motivation, family support, and the creation of lasting memories.  These factors contribute to a more positive and enriching study abroad experience.  They also help students navigate the challenges of being in a foreign land and empower them to succeed. 

Of course, we have activities planned for Milchelians who are staying in Singapore during the Chinese New Year period.  Our dear kids will not be missing out on the festivities.  From gatherings, snacks, and games, we make sure that they feel the festive spirit here in Milchel, their second home. 

Bridge the Miles: Maintaining Connection During Your Child’s Overseas Studies

As parents, nurturing a consistent bond with our children during their overseas studies is of crucial importance. Sometimes, it is us yearning to hold on as they embrace their newfound independence, while other times, they are the ones eager to explore the world beyond our embrace. Regardless, maintaining connection remains a shared goal, and with the aid of technology, communication is more accessible than ever. Yet, there are additional strategies to enrich this connection:

Establishing regular communication

First and foremost, establishing a regular communication routine is crucial. Initiate regular calls – perhaps once in the morning and once at bedtime. Adapt the frequency to your child’s age and level of attachment, all the while reassuring them of your proximity. Remember, your intent is their well-being, not appeasing your own longing.

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Show genuine interest in their life abroad

Moreover, exhibit genuine curiosity about their life abroad during these conversations. Inquire about their academic endeavours, staying informed without micromanaging. Show interest in their burgeoning social life, and if they’re comfortable, engage with their friends via video calls. Sharing updates about home, relatives, and friends bridges the physical gap and ensures they remain rooted to their origins.

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Send care packages

Sending care packages is a time-tested way to evoke joy in our children. Witness their faces light up with happiness upon receiving these tokens of affection from afar. Whether eagerly anticipated or a delightful surprise, these packages, filled with their favourite snacks and goodies, are proudly shared with newfound friends, solidifying their connection to home.

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Schedule a regular get-together

Additionally, scheduling regular in-person get-togethers trumps any phone or video call. Plan visits to their overseas location, allowing them to proudly showcase their new surroundings. Alternatively, arrange for them to return home periodically, ensuring it doesn’t disrupt their studies. Exciting trips to either a favourite overseas city or a fresh destination provide a beacon of hope during bouts of homesickness.

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Encourage independence and growth

Lastly, while maintaining a strong connection is paramount, it’s equally vital to foster independence and personal growth. Encourage them to seize every opportunity in their second home, to form lasting friendships, and to develop a sense of autonomy. Strive to strike a balance between staying involved and granting them the freedom to flourish, avoiding the pitfalls of micromanagement.

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In conclusion, by establishing regular communication, showing genuine interest in their overseas life, sending thoughtful care packages, scheduling personal meetings, and encouraging independence, we can nurture a meaningful and lasting connection with our children as they embark on their overseas adventures.