"Thanksgiving is a little bit too short to go home, which applies to all international students," el-Gaili says. "I can't think of anyone who went home for Thanksgiving, but for Christmas, it's about half and half."

The group hopes to plan a trip for international students staying in the area, during intercession, he says.

Partly as a result of the support from the Woodbridge Society, Wacieni considers his time at Harvard to be a "very broadening experience."

"You meet new people and have new experiences," he says. "I've learned so much from interacting with people."

Wacieni says he--like many other international students--admires the general curiosity and interest of Harvard students, who tend to be open to new cultures.

"People here are open to new things, things different from their own experiences," he says. "They're concerned. They want to know about me as a person, where I come from."

International students cite the opportunity to interest with other students--both international and American-as perhaps the most positive aspect of their Harvard international experience.

"For many international students, coming here is both a challenge and an enriching experience," says el Gaili. "We have the chance to interact with people from other parts of the worid and with American students. This is important because we are living in a world which is becoming increasingly interdependent."

"We talk about the frustrations of getting used to a new culture, like how to get a Social Security card and how to persuade the banks in Harvard Square that you're for real." -Seamus P. Malin '62