The Most Important Thing when Living Abroad

There are a thousand different things that people say is important when living abroad but to me it comes down to just one, which is to establish a strong core group of friends. I was lucky enough to find my niche in the crowd almost upon my arrival to China. It is important to think of these people you are meeting as your second family with them constantly keeping you preoccupied with daily tasks to the extent that you almost forget that you are thousands of miles (or kilometers) from your friends and family. One of the biggest things I thought I would miss when traveling would be the holiday season. Whether that means a big Unites States Thanksgiving dinner or opening presents Christmas Day (and Hannukah). Fortunately my group of friends helped me celebrate the holidays by having me over to eat a delicious Thanksgiving Dinner with them that almost felt like I was home with my parents. I cooked the green bean casserole while my friends brought over the turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and other holiday foods that allowed us to feast for days after. At the time I just thought of it as a meal with some friends to pass the time but looking back I see now a group of friends who, much like me, knew how far they were from their family but felt loved and cared for by the people around them in a way that, for that moment, was the only family you needed.