Christmas time is known for bringing family and friends together, no matter where they are living around the world. The Macquarie family came together recently for an afternoon of fun at the annual Parents Group Christmas party.
International students celebrating Christmas away from home find a sense of family at Macquarie.
Macquarie’s Parents Group is a free support network facilitated by the International Student Services team and is designed to bring families of Macquarie students and members of the local community together with regular get-togethers, seminars and cultural celebrations.
The highlight of this year’s Christmas celebration was a concert by Lah Lah’s Musical Wonderland, who had children up and dancing. The face-painting and festive food and drink were also a hit with attendees.
Macquarie academic Jennifer Cornish attended the Christmas party with her twin boys and says the event was a great way to socialise with other parents on campus.
“There are lots of international parents studying and working on campus, all of whom are great friends,” she says.
Macquarie’s Parents Group Christmas Party featured fun activities for the children of students and staff.
The party also helped bond many students and staff in new friendships, easing the challenge for those working or living away from home over the holiday period.
“Macquarie goes out of its way to make its international students feel like part of one big family,” says Mauritian student Elodie Ah-Kim. “It hasn’t taken me long to feel as though I am one of the locals!”
The Christmas party helped Elodie further her friendship network as she transitions into her life away from her home country.
“To me, Christmas is a golden opportunity for family to come together,” she says. “Being so far away from my family, it is good to feel so close to people.”
Read more about Macquarie International’s Parents Group.
