International Student Newsletter

Dear international students,

We hope you all had an enjoyable spring break!

In the Announcements section of this newsletter, learn more about resources and events which can help improve your academic and social experiences at BU. For example, learn about the different events offered by the LGBTQIA+ Student Resource Center, and the pop-up boutique (sponsored by GLAM4GOOD and the BU Newbury Center) offering free, brand-new clothing, shampoo, deodorant, and makeup to students. To get ready for your career, check out the many tools BU Connects offers, including networking directory, industry and affinity groups, and mentoring opportunities. The Proud to BU podcast and 100+ career webinars from alumni career coaches discuss a variety of topics, from networking, to managing uncertainty, to job search in the world of ChatGPT and AI. If you have a business idea or are interested in developing an entrepreneur mindset and a strong community, consider attending BU BUild Lab’s Pitch and Pizza or Idea Generator Lab workshops and start developing innovation skills that can be used in any industry. Lastly, please note the annual Global Programs Photo Contest is March 18-29, 2024, and the theme this year is Global Engagement. Submitting your Global Engagement-themed photos (up to 3!) is a great way to showcase how you have engaged globally during this past year, here in Boston or anywhere around the world!

In the Student Experiences section, BU junior Wenxuan Li (CAS’25), reflects on her study abroad experiences in Geneva and Kyoto, and shares recommendations with other international students considering studying abroad. In Culture Corner, learn about multicultural and religious holidays in March and April, including Easter, Holi, Ramadan, and Passover, and how they are celebrated at BU.

We wish everyone good luck with any upcoming projects and exams. Happy Spring!

Announcements

Upcoming Events

Student Experiences

Culture Corner

Multicultural and Religious Celebrations during Spring

Easter (Christian)

Easter is a Christian tradition marking the day Jesus Christ is said to have come back to life. The holiday concludes the “Passion of Christ,” a series of events and holidays that begins with Lent, a 40-day period of fasting, prayer and sacrifice, and ends with Holy Week, which includes Holy Thursday (the celebration of Jesus’ Last Supper with his 12 Apostles), Good Friday (on which Jesus’ crucifixion is observed) and Easter Sunday. On Easter Sunday, people attend church services where they sing and pray. It’s a day for some family activities as well, like decorating hard-boiled eggs and searching for hidden treats around the house.

In 2024, Roman Catholic and Protestant Easter is observed on March 31. Eastern Orthodox Easter is observed on Sunday, May 4.

Source and more information about Easter can be found here.

Easter celebrations at BU. BU Marsh Chapel and BU Catholic Center will host a number of events during Holy Week (March 24-March 31), including Easter Sunday sunrise service (March 31, 7:30 am, BU Beach), Protestant Festival (9 am-11 am, Marsh Chapel) and a Roman Catholic Mass (1 pm, Marsh Chapel).

Holi (Hindu)

Holi is a popular Hindu festival, known as the Festival of Colors, Love and Spring. This ancient tradition marks the end of winter and honors the triumph of good over evil. Across India, Holi celebrations differ from region to region, but common rituals include lighting bonfires, throwing colorful powder called gulal, eating sweets, and dancing to traditional folk music. Different colors have their own symbolism: Blue is for Krishna, a Hindu god usually portrayed with bright blue skin. Green is for rebirth and new beginnings, and red symbolizes marriage or fertility. In 2024, Holi is observed on March 25.

Source and more information about Holi can be found here.

Holi celebrations at BU. At BU, the Hindu Cultural Association (HCA) will host a celebration on March 30 (1:30 pm-3:30 pm, Cummington Mall) with dance performances, music, and color powder. Tickets for the event go live on Eventbrite on March 20 at 6pm.

Ramadan (Islam)

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Muslim calendar and the holy month of fasting. It begins and ends with the appearance of the crescent moon, and in 2024 it is observed between March 10-April 8. For Muslims, it’s a time of increased worship, charity and good deeds. Socially, it often brings families and friends together in festive gatherings around meals to break their fast. Ramadan is followed by the Islamic holiday of Eid al-Fitr (April 10, 2024).

A list of 25 traditional dishes enjoyed for Ramadan around the globe can be found here.

Source and more information about Ramadan can be found here.

Ramadan celebrations at BU. BU Dining Services, in collaboration with Religious Life and Student Government, will provide iftar meals between March 18 and April 9. Maghrib, Isha, and Taraweeh prayers will take place daily in the lower level of the George Sherman Union (775 Commonwealth Avenue) in Room B02.

Passover (Jewish)

Passover is one of the Jewish religion’s most sacred and widely observed holidays. Jewish people observe the weeklong festival with several important rituals, including a traditional Passover meal known as a seder, the removal of leavened products from their home, the substitution of matzo for bread and the retelling of the exodus tale. In 2024, Passover is observed between April 22 and April 30.

Source and more information about Passover can be found here.

Passover celebrations at BU. Join BU GradHillel for an interactive Passover Seder and a festive meal on April, 22 at 7 pm (RSVP here) and an End of Passover and Semester party on May 1, at 4 pm (RSVP here). Events will take place at BU Hillel (213 Bay State Road).

The Compass

There are over 250 academic, housing, community, and employment resources currently on the Compass and each issue we will highlight two.