Tet Through the Eyes of International Students

For many Vietnamese students studying abroad, Tet Nguyen Dan, or the Lunar New Year, evokes a complex mix of emotions. It is a time of nostalgia and homesickness, but also a time to celebrate and uphold traditions in a foreign land. The following stories from young Vietnamese students across the globe showcase how Tet serves as a cultural bridge, connecting them to their homeland and heritage.

Ho Thi Nhu, a student at Hannam University in South Korea, has spent two Tet holidays away from her family. As the year draws to a close, her homesickness intensifies. To combat this, Nhu and her friends recreate the festive atmosphere by decorating their living space, preparing traditional five-fruit trays, and hunting for Vietnamese delicacies in local markets. However, as Nhu wistfully notes, “No matter how hard we try, it’s never quite the same as being at home.”

Nhu finds solace in participating in community activities, such as making banh chung (sticky rice cakes) with other Vietnamese expatriates. She fondly recalls a particularly memorable Tet when she and her friends braved South Korea’s freezing winter to make their own banh chung. “They weren’t as perfectly shaped as my mother’s,” she says, “but they brought us comfort and a taste of home.”

Ho Thi Nhu, a Vietnamese student at Hannam University in South Korea.

Thao, a student at Kookmin University, also in South Korea, shares a different perspective. While acknowledging the sadness of being away from home during Tet, she has found ways to make the holiday less lonely. Instead of the usual family gatherings, Thao and her friends go shopping and immerse themselves in the vibrant Tet-like atmosphere that South Korea has to offer. Due to the time zone difference, Thao gets to celebrate twice—first in Korea and then again via video call with her family back in Vietnam.

In her downtime, Thao cooks traditional Vietnamese dishes to feel more connected to home. Writing in a journal on New Year’s Day has become a ritual for her, allowing her to reflect on her thoughts and feelings and preserve the essence of Tet.

Nguyen Ngoc Thao, a Vietnamese student at Kookmin University in South Korea.

For Ho Thi My Tham, a first-year student at Oji International Language Academy in Japan, Tet is all about family. “The holiday just doesn’t feel complete without them,” she says. To compensate for the distance, Tham stays connected with her loved ones through video calls. “Hearing their laughter and seeing their smiles makes me feel a little less homesick,” she adds.

As a newcomer to Japan, having only been there for three months, Tham finds it challenging to celebrate Tet alone. To make the most of the situation, she plans to prepare a fusion meal of banh chung and Japanese dishes for a unique cultural blend. Tham fondly remembers being invited to a Japanese New Year’s party, where she introduced her international friends to Vietnamese Tet traditions, captivating them with her stories.

Ho Thi My Tham, a first-year student at Oji International Language Academy, Japan.

In the Netherlands, Le Tram Anh, who resides in Utrecht, experiences a stark contrast to the vibrant Tet traditions she grew up with. With a sparse Vietnamese population in her area, Tram Anh and her fellow Vietnamese students strive to uphold their cultural customs. They make banh chung, prepare candied fruit, and share Tet meals together. “Even though we can’t fully replicate the festive atmosphere of Vietnam,” Tram Anh says, “these small traditions bring us closer to home.”

Tram Anh fondly remembers inviting her Dutch friends to try banh chung and sharing the cultural significance of Tet with them. Her enthusiasm rubbed off on her friends, as one of them even expressed interest in joining her next year to learn how to make the traditional cakes.

Le Tram Anh, a Vietnamese student in the Netherlands.

In Melbourne, Australia, Dang Hoang Nam finds solace in the vibrant Vietnamese community. Places like Richmond and Springvale help him feel more connected to his culture and traditions, especially during Tet. “Being away from my family has made me appreciate our gatherings even more,” he says. To celebrate the holiday, Nam visits temples and cleans his house to welcome the new year, following Vietnamese traditions.

One of his most cherished memories is making banh chung with his friends. “It was a messy and imperfect process,” he recalls, “but we laughed a lot and created unforgettable memories.”

Dang Hoang Nam, a Vietnamese student in Australia.

Each student’s story is unique, but they all share a common thread—a deep longing for family and home. Whether it’s through making banh chung, exchanging lucky money, or calling home on New Year’s Eve, these students find ways to keep their cultural traditions alive and create meaningful Tet celebrations, even when far from home.

Celebrating Tet abroad not only strengthens their appreciation for Vietnamese traditions but also offers a fresh perspective on the true meaning of the holiday. Tet is more than just a celebration; it’s an opportunity to connect, reflect, and cherish their cultural roots. No matter where life takes them, Tet remains a bridge that always leads them back to Vietnam.

You may also like

“Harmony in Hanoi: Vietnam’s First Musical Film Strums Up a Storm in Paris.”

Vietnam’s first musical movie, “A Fragile Flower,” premiered in Paris on the evening of June 7. The brainchild of producer and director Mai Thu Huyen, “A Fragile Flower” is a captivating and groundbreaking cinematic experience.

Celebrating the Tet Holiday: A Glimpse into the Traditions of the Red Dao in Northern Vietnam

The arrival of spring heralds a unique celebration for the Red Dao ethnic group in Yen Bai Province, nestled in the mountainous north. As the season blooms, they usher in the Lunar New Year with festive traditions that are distinctly their own.

The Splendor of Diversity: A Photo Exhibition Celebrating the Vibrant Colors of Vietnam’s Ethnic Communities

The upcoming photo exhibition, ‘A Spectrum of Diversity: Capturing the Colours of 54 Ethnic Groups’, promises to be a vibrant showcase of Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage. From November 22 to November 26, the museum of Dak Lak province and the Vietnam National Village for Ethnic Culture and Tourism will play host to this extraordinary exhibition, offering visitors a unique insight into the diverse and colorful world of Vietnam’s ethnic communities. Located in the picturesque Dong Mo tourism area on the outskirts of Hanoi, the venue provides the perfect backdrop to celebrate the beauty and traditions of these ethnic groups, through the powerful medium of photography.

Folk woodcut paintings – Beloved Tet Holiday Art in Vietnam

Even in the midst of the fast-paced and busy modern life, numerous Vietnamese families take pleasure in adorning their homes with Dong Ho folk woodcut paintings during the Lunar New Year festivities (Tet).

Tet atmosphere to illuminate Thang Long imperial citadel

The Thang Long imperial citadel in Hanoi will host the Happy Tet 2024 programme from January 24 to 28, where visitors can experience the vibrant ambiance of the traditional Vietnamese Lunar New Year festival, also known as Tet.