How international students spend their winter breaks
Every year, winter break season is an exciting time for students to relax and travel in between two busy semesters. While the summer is a long break that comes before the new school year starts, TMU's Mid-Year Winter Break is about three weeks long and marks the holiday season. This is also a great time to spend reflecting on the year’s accomplishments and challenges and deciding which lessons to carry forward into the new year.
For many international students, this time is spent visiting friends and family back home. Others like to work extra hours at their jobs or spend time doing meaningful work like volunteering or diving back into their hobbies. The city is always busy with activities and events, as the holiday spirit takes over everyone and snowfall engulfs roads and trees.
Regardless of plans, the winter break transition period is a fitting time to look back at another year of university. Whether it is the first year or the last, a year completed is an accomplishment that should be celebrated. To learn more about the ways other international students spend their time, I spoke to some of my friends about their plans for the upcoming winter break!
🇵🇪 Micaela loves to fly back home and give back to her community
“December is one of my favourite months, not only because I get to travel back home to Peru and spend time with my family but also because it’s an opportunity to give back to my community.
A few years ago, I started visiting small villages during the holidays to deliver donations such as clothes, toys, and essentials. What I thought would be a one-time experience ended up becoming a tradition. Now, every time I’m home for Christmas, I look forward to those moments just as much as I look forward to celebrating with my family. Spending time with the kids is my favourite part. I love seeing their excitement and joy, whether we’re playing games or just talking. It’s not about the gifts as much as it is about sharing a little love and spreading the holiday spirit.
These experiences have made my winter breaks much more meaningful to me. It’s a chance to reflect on what’s important and every time I come back, I feel a little more grateful and inspired to carry that spirit into the new year.”
🇪🇬 Omar plans to have a New York Christmas with family
“This winter break, I'm planning on revisiting Manhattan since I don't have the time to fly back home to Egypt. Exploring the city's energy during the holidays, with its dazzling lights and unique charm, feels like the perfect escape before the new semester. This break is also a chance to reconnect with myself and explore parts of Toronto I haven't experienced yet. For the time I'll be in Toronto, I'm excited to visit the iconic Distillery District and soak in the festive magic of the holiday markets. I also want to reconnect with my parents, as we share the same birthday week, and celebrate together in a way that feels meaningful.
Looking back on past winter breaks, my time in Cairo holds some of my favorite memories. I spent those breaks with my mother, growing closer while visiting beautiful places like the Dusit for brunch or relaxing at Odin's Pool House. Those moments of connection, warmth, and adventure have shaped how I cherish the holiday season. This year, I want to carry that same spirit into everything I do. My main goal is to prepare myself for the upcoming semester and enter it feeling grounded and ready.
Winter break isn't just about resting–it's about resetting, recharging, and embracing the season in ways that feel personal. Whether it's exploring, connecting with family, or simply reflecting, these moments are what make the holidays special. No matter where we spend it, this is the time to appreciate and create memories that fuel us for the journey ahead.”
🇪🇹 Beamlak will enjoy wildlife safaris in Kenya
“This winter break, I’m excited to be travelling to Nairobi, Kenya, to visit my family. After spending a year of connecting with family through video calls, there's nothing quite like the warmth of home during the holiday season. I also look forward to exploring the vibrant culture of Nairobi, from the markets to the sights of Nairobi National Park. It's a thrill to see wildlife up close, and this year I plan to take my younger siblings on a safari adventure that they won’t forget.
Last winter, I cherished my time visiting local art galleries and attending community events with my friends in Toronto, which left lasting memories. This year, my main goal is to embrace every moment with my loved ones while also taking time to reflect on personal growth and set new intentions for the year to come. I can’t wait to share the excitement of the holidays with my family and soak in the beauty of Kenya!”
🇮🇳 I can’t wait to be home for the holidays
The holiday season is one of my favorite times of the year. For me, the winter break comes as a much needed and anticipated time, especially after what can be a tough exam season. This year, I am excited to go back home to Delhi and spend a few weeks relaxing and reconnecting with friends and family. I love to set my intentions for the new year and make sure that I end the year on a positive note around the people I love. Me and my best friends also like to get together and create a vision board for the next year!
In the past, I have spent some exciting holidays in Toronto. Marked by snow and exciting holiday jingles, there is always something to do! While it can be chilly, I find that it is always fun to bundle up and explore holiday markets in The Distillery District and Stackt Market— drinking hot chocolate and eating delicious desserts. No matter where I am, I love to slow down during this time— from reading books and exploring cafes to sleeping in on weekdays!
With fun plans for the holiday season and the excitement for what’s to come in the new year, international students are looking forward to making memories and embracing opportunities for growth and connection in the new year!
