McGill & Christmas
#1
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McGill & Christmas
My son is approaching his first Christmas @ McGill, and we want him to come home, but he is reluctant as it's almost a 22 hour flight back home, and the break is only 12 days. He prefers to come back end-April '08 for the long summer break.
If he atays back @ McGill, will he be lonely? Do the Canadian and US students go back to their respective homes at this time? Will the dorm be deserted? Do give me your thoughts.
If he atays back @ McGill, will he be lonely? Do the Canadian and US students go back to their respective homes at this time? Will the dorm be deserted? Do give me your thoughts.
#2
Join Date: Apr 2006
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There are always students who don't go home, including those from other countries, those who have jobs that are busy at Christmas and those who can't afford the time or cost.
My son spent Christmas at school in France last year. He was invited to spend time with some buddies and learned the traditions of his host family. He talked to us by webcam Christmas day. He was a little homesick - we all missed having the family together - but he had a good time and bonded with his friends.
It's a growth experience, probably more difficult for us parents than for our kids
My son spent Christmas at school in France last year. He was invited to spend time with some buddies and learned the traditions of his host family. He talked to us by webcam Christmas day. He was a little homesick - we all missed having the family together - but he had a good time and bonded with his friends.
It's a growth experience, probably more difficult for us parents than for our kids
#3
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I think most US and Canadian students will go home over Christmas. The break isn't long compared to most US colleges. Exams are held from Dec 6 to 21st and there will be students around to the end of that period. (I think the exam schedule will be posted this week so your son will have a better idea of how late his last exam will be)
It is my impression that at least some students go back for New Year's Eve in Montreal (My son did sophomore year with a group of his high school friends)
The international student services/McGill International Student Network might host some events over the Christmas break but their website doesn't seem too informative -- you could email and ask.
It is my impression that at least some students go back for New Year's Eve in Montreal (My son did sophomore year with a group of his high school friends)
The international student services/McGill International Student Network might host some events over the Christmas break but their website doesn't seem too informative -- you could email and ask.
#4
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Parental growth experience...how true!
Vttraveler, I think the break is Dec 22 to Jan 3.....quite short. We made friends with a family in Laval, just outside Montreal(through my cousin who used to live in Toronto) ....they were happy to have him over for Xmas....Let my son return from LA on Tuesday (after the Thanksgiving break), check out his options on campus, and then we'll see...Thanks for the input. Much appreciated.
Vttraveler, I think the break is Dec 22 to Jan 3.....quite short. We made friends with a family in Laval, just outside Montreal(through my cousin who used to live in Toronto) ....they were happy to have him over for Xmas....Let my son return from LA on Tuesday (after the Thanksgiving break), check out his options on campus, and then we'll see...Thanks for the input. Much appreciated.
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Hi, Rambo: Yes, the break is from Dec 22 to Dec 3 but as Vt has said, your son's exam schedule(to be posted this week probably) will determine exactly how long his break will be. Last year my son had all of his exams early & he was finished around mid December! Perhaps this year he will not be so lucky but my fingers are crossed for a nice, long break. So, take a look @ your son's exam schedule & see how everyone feels later in the week. Canadian & US McGill students go home for Christmas break so Campus will be pretty deserted especially from Dec 22 until Jan 3/08.
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I'm not familiar with McGill, but at UBC in Vancouver, there was International House where hundreds, if not thousands of international students on campus could go to and meet/mingle with others. At Christmas, those who didn't fly home would often join up with the hundreds of others international students and celebrate Christmas together. I'd imagine McGill also has some sort of society/club/building for international students.
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I was in Montreal from Boxing Day (Dec 26) until just after New Years, not last year, but for the 2 years before. Both times, December was rather frigid, especially at night. It was my first Canadian winter, so to speak, as Vancouver winters are usually above freezing. As long as I was dressed properly, it was okay. It rarely snowed, but snow from previous snowfalls coated everything. The sidewalks, even the main ones downtown, were often caked in inches of ice. Last winter was a bit of an abnoramility where it didn't snow until Christmas, and even then, I think it all melted soon afterwards.