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Holiday Connections

Are you looking for something special to do over the Christmas holiday season?  Would you like to learn more about other cultures and share traditions?  If you answered "yes", than this program is for you!  The Holiday Connections program helps to integrate international students into the Fredericton community, while providing local families with an opportunity to learn about other countries and gain an understanding of the international student experience. With this program, students and families will promote cross-cultural exchange and understanding, and have the opportunity to share the traditions of the holiday season.

What it means to participate as a Host Family:

As a holiday host family, you will have a chance to learn about other cultures, and make a difference in the life of an international student who is unable to go home to be with their family.

Here is what one family who participated in the Holiday Connection program had to say:

"It was absolutely incredible!!  Samaneh and Shahab came over before Christmas to have dinner.  It made such an impact on my boys (aged 8, 11, 13).  My children asked so many questions about Iran and we all came away with a different perspective than just what the news feeds us.

They also joined our neighborhood skating party on New Year's Eve and Samaneh said she didn't know that you could build a hockey rink in your backyard.  In short, it was a wonderful experience for everyone and one we would absolutely like to continue.  I think the trick is to emphasize how much the Canadian families benefit from the connection.  I know my boys did."

Holiday Host Families are asked to:

• Make contact with their holiday connection student(s) by phone or email within a few days of receiving their match.
• Invite the holiday connection student(s) to participate in a family gathering or event sometime over the Christmas holiday.
• Provide transportation for the student(s) to the gathering/event if your home is not within walking distance.

Ideas for including international students:

• Family dinner - sharing food and conversation is a great way to make an initial connection
• Bowling, curling or skating parties (please note international students may need to borrow equipment)
• Christmas baking
• Tour of Fredericton to see holiday lights
• Sleigh Ride
• Games night

What it means to participate as an international student:

As an international student in this program, you will learn more about holiday traditions in Canada, and have an opportunity to be an ambassador for your own cultural.  While it may sound intimidating to go to visit a family you have never met, the families who sign-up are kind, welcoming, and eager to meet international students from all around the world!

Here is what one of the international students who participated said about the program:

My holiday connections experience was great.  I was a bit worried about my English before I went there. However, the family was very nice, warm-hearted and considerate. We had a large meal of turkey & desert, then played puzzle and wii games. They also invited me to go bowling with them the next day.
It was lots of fun. And it felt like being with my own family. I will definitely participate it again!

To learn more about the Holiday Connection Program:

If you are interested in taking part in this fantastic opportunity, please contact Erin MacLean, Cross Cultural Program Coordinator, 506.453.4946