By Ryan Ryu ’25
As the winter term reluctantly releases its icy grip, the campus is abuzz with the palpable anticipation of a cherished event: spring break. While for many domestic students, heading home is routine, the journey takes on a distinctive significance for the international students who form an integral 20% of Gunn’s diverse student body, representing over 20 different countries.
Unlike their local peers, international students undertake the trek home only twice a year, adding more meaning to their travels. Returning home is a multifaceted experience involving logistics, packing, and travel.
Firstly, the logistical aspects of the journey demand meticulous planning. Coordinating with parents to book flights, arranging taxi services, and the possible use of the Time Off-Campus Sheet to align with flight schedules are essential steps for these students.
The second phase involves the intricate art of packing. Some start days in advance, mindful of the looming departure date and the pressure of academic commitments. However, a few hours before departure also proves effective for those adept at the task. Amid the excitement, packing remains a stressful challenge for international students, wrestling to find time amidst school assignments. A must-have item in their luggage is the indispensable passport and I-20 visa, a constant reminder of their international status.
Then comes the actual travel, a mix of exhaustion and exhilaration. Making the journey to JFK Airport, often over a two-hour drive, international students embark on flights lasting anywhere from four to nearly 30 hours, contingent on their home country’s location. Many encounter layovers, further extending their travel times and adding an element of unpredictability to the journey.
Despite the challenges, the Highlanders deem the journey well worth it. Thomas Vo’25 reflects on his Spring Break experience, noting, “This is one of the most exciting events over the course of a school year here at the Frederick Gunn School.” Vo shares the anticipation of counting down the days and navigating the logistics with the Dean of Students for the Time Off-Campus Sheet. Acknowledging the cumbersome packing process, Vo highlights the struggle of fitting everything into a suitcase for his 23-hour minimum flight to Vietnam, with connecting flights and layovers factored in.
“The best part of this trip is always seeing lightened-up smiles on my family’s faces as well as my friends when I meet them,” Vo emphasizes, underscoring the emotional reward that awaits at the journey’s end.
The journey home for international students is more than a mere vacation; it’s a challenging odyssey, a test of resilience, and ultimately, a source of profound joy as they reunite with loved ones.
