A well earned break

Still others find themselves taking advantage of the break to catch up on work, search for a job or improve their Dutch.

For many international students, Christmas break is an extended period of time to travel and discover Europe. For some, returning home is not feasible, as it is too far or too expensive. Rishab Naidu, a first year Master’s student from India is heading on a road trip through Eastern Europe with couple of his classmates and friends. He’s planning to visit Prague, Budapest and Vienna among others. Anurag Bhattacharya, also from India, always uses the opportunity of the Christmas holiday to travel. He recommends Berlin, Paris or Belgium as plausible last minute winter destinations. “With air tickets becoming more and more expensive due to the high demand, one can turn to buses, trains or cars as other options to travel to preferred destinations.”

Many students from nearby countries often return home for extended visits but not Anna Marcassoli, a Master’s student from Italy. “Christmas time is usually family time, but this year I am planning a ski trip with friends.” Matas Ubarevicius, from Lithuania, has a more hectic schedule. He’s headed to see family. ”I will be driving between many cities over a period of three weeks, visiting friends, parents, grandparents, sister and my wife’s parents.”

Students who don’t celebrate Christmas often use the break as an opportunity to get head before the next semester. Fei Cui, originally from China and a recent graduate of TU, will be staying in the Netherlands this holiday season. “I don’t have plans to travel anywhere. I would probably brush up my Dutch language as I continue my search for jobs.”

Regardless of their plans, the students of TU deserve a break and will hopefully fit some relaxation in between their travels and studies.