For Chicagoans, a ride back home for winter break takes an average of two and half to three hours. But for international students like Eric Lui, a trip home to Hong Kong takes a 24-hour plane ride. Lui, president of the Hong Kong Student Association, said the long flight home for many international students is worth the discomfort.

“It could be a bad traveling experience, but many are used to it or don’t care,” Lui said. “After a year away from their real home, they would probably miss their family.”

Lui, junior in business, said that although some may not go back to their hometowns, most international students he knows are traveling over break. He also said there are few students who do stay at school over break because they have to prepare for exams, teach classes or face different circumstances.

“For students with no place to go, I recommend that they go to a place that has snow, like New York,” Lui said. “Students from places like (Hong Kong) never have seen snow before. The only snow we’ve seen before is the snow on television. (Students) can stay in Champaign, but it may be a little boring here.”

Students should travel and explore different parts of the United States instead, Lui said. Opting to visit other family members over break, Lui is planning to visit his relatives in San Francisco and Los Angeles.

Others visit downtown Chicago for break. Andres Montana, the president of the Colombian Students Association, said a group of students are planning to visit Navy Pier Dec. 18 for a Colombian cultural event, sponsored by the Colombia Consulate of Chicago.

Angelika Pluta, a coordinator for friendship groups for the International Hospitality Committee, organizes monthly events for women from different countries who live in the community. The program is open to women of all ages who may have to stay in the area over break.

The group tried a list of activities, including making origami, cooking international cuisines and belly dancing.

“It is important to go to these events, especially if you don’t know anybody when you first come to this country,” Pluta said. “It’s a wonderful way to meet people who are like you. You will learn new things … learn about different cultures, different cuisines, and also make new and lasting friendships.”