Tet through the eyes of overseas students

For Vietnamese students studying abroad, Tet Nguyen Dan (Lunar New Year) is a bittersweet mix of nostalgia, homesickness, and the struggle to maintain traditions in an unfamiliar setting. Stories from young people around the world show that Tet is more than a celebration - it is a bridge between them and their homeland and cultural roots.

Ho Thi Nhu, a student at Hannam University in South Korea, has spent two Tet holidays away from home. “As the year comes to an end, the longing for home feels even stronger. I miss the warm and lively atmosphere of Vietnam during Tet so much,” she shared. To ease her homesickness, Nhu and her friends decorate their rooms, set up a traditional five-fruit tray, and shop for Vietnamese delicacies at local markets. Yet, as she admits, “The feeling and flavors can never truly compare to home.” She joins the local Vietnamese community for activities like making banh chung (sticky rice cakes) or hosting year-end parties, but nothing replaces the joy of celebrating with family. Nhu fondly recalls a memorable moment when she and her friends made banh chung in Korea’s freezing winter weather. “Even though the cakes weren’t as perfectly square as the ones my mom makes, it brought us comfort during Tet far from home.”

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

Thao, a student at Kookmin University in South Korea, had a different perspective. "Celebrating Tet abroad can be a little sad, but I've found ways to make it less lonely," she said. Instead of gathering with relatives to watch a New Year's Eve show or get ready for the countdown, Thao and her pals go shopping and take in the vibrant Tet-like atmosphere in South Korea. Since Korea is two hours ahead of Vietnam, Thao has the chance to celebrate twice - once in Korea and then again via video call with her family. During her downtime, she cooks Vietnamese dishes to bring a little bit of home into her life. On New Year's Day, she often writes down her thoughts and feelings in a journal to 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 feels incomplete without family. "Tet only feels special when you're with your loved ones. Here, I don't prepare much, but stay connected with my family through video calls. Hearing their voices and laughter makes everything a little better," she said. Having only been in Japan for three months, Tham admits it is hard to celebrate Tet alone, especially without anyone to share the moment with. Her plan is to prepare a small meal of banh chung and a few Japanese dishes for the special occasion, a fusion of cultures. Tham also shared a heartwarming memory of being invited to a Japanese New Year's party, where she introduced Vietnamese Tet traditions to her international friends and left them fascinated.

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

In the Netherlands, Le Tram Anh feels the absence of Tet traditions even more acutely. Utrecht, where she lives, has very few Asian residents. Still, Tram Anh and her fellow Vietnamese students try their best to maintain familiar customs such as making banh chung, preparing candied fruit, and sharing a Tet meal. “Even though we can’t fully recreate the Tet atmosphere of Vietnam, these little rituals bring us closer to home," she said. Tram Anh recalled inviting her Dutch friends to try banh chung and recounting the cultural significance of Tet. They were so intrigued that one even asked to join her next year to learn how to make banh chung.

Le Tram Anh, Vietnamese student in the Netherlands.

In Australia, Dang Hoang Nam, a student in Melbourne, finds himself surrounded by a more familiar sense of Tet. Thanks to Melbourne's vibrant Vietnamese community in places like Richmond and Springvale, he doesn't feel too far from home. "Spending Tet away from my family makes me appreciate our gatherings even more. Just getting together with friends gives me a sense of warmth and celebration," Nam said. He visits temples and cleans the house to welcome in the new year, as Vietnamese people usually do on this occasion. One of Nam's fondest memories is his first attempt at making banh chung with friends. "It was clumsy and far from perfect, but we laughed so much and had so much fun." Nam also makes it a point to write heartfelt Tet messages to his family, using email to stay close and express his love despite the distance.

Dang Hoang Nam, a Vietnamese student in Australia.

Each student has a unique story to tell, but they all express a desire to be with family and home. Whether it's making banh chung, giving each other lucky money, or calling home on New Year's Eve, these small gestures help them keep their cultural traditions alive and create a meaningful Tet far from home.

Celebrating Tet abroad not only deepens their appreciation for the holiday's traditions, but also gives them a fresh perspective on its meaning. Tet isn't just about celebrating - it's a time to connect, reflect, and appreciate their roots. No matter where they are, Tet remains a bridge that always leads back to Vietnam.