Nicolas Maalouf. (Credit: Person photographed)
Celebrating the holidays away from family is never pleasant. Yet, many choose to stay away during this period to prioritize their studies or work, or to save money for housing or food.
"I stay here during the holidays because I need to prepare for my exams scheduled for January. Returning home during the holidays won't help me," said Charbel Nassar, a second-year pharmacy student at the University of Angers. Originally from Deir Dourit in Chouf, Nassar, whose parents have financed his studies so far, also believes that the cost of plane tickets is a major obstacle to flying home. "Flights have become quite expensive," he said. Currently, he only takes a summer break and vacations between February and April. However, he remains hopeful. "Starting next year, I can begin working in a pharmacy, and the situation will be less complicated," said the 19-year-old student. Until then, he will settle for celebrating Christmas with his sister in Pays de la Loire.
Jad Karam, who has been living in Essonne, France since October 2022, is pursuing an MBA at the Higher School of Commerce and Marketing-ISTEC in Paris. Determined to complete his education and enter the job market as soon as possible, Karam has been relentless in his studies and internships since the move, without breaks or holidays, including Christmas and the end of the year.
Charbel Nassar. (Credit: Person photographed)
"The [unstable] security in Lebanon has not influenced my decision to stay in France during the holidays. The country has always been unstable, and we are used to the situation," said the Amioun native, who, before settling in France, worked as a nurse in a critical care unit. "I refuse to return until I have obtained my diploma and found a solid position in a renowned company," he stated. "My return to Lebanon will be an affirmation, a cry of victory, an 'I did it!' that I want to proclaim with pride." But how will he celebrate Christmas this year? "Christmas away from family, without a tree, without a family dinner, without the laughter of cousins and relatives, is not Christmas. I will spend Christmas doing my usual activities, as on any weekend," he said regrettably.
Jana el-Amin. (Credit: Person photographed)
Christelle Melky moved to Paris over three months ago. Enrolled at Paris 1 Panthéon Sorbonne to pursue a master's degree in money, banking, finance and insurance (MBFA), she already teaches the flute to ensure income. Her parents have financed her ambitions so far, despite the precarious situation in Lebanon. Although 21-year-old Christelle will celebrate Christmas away from her family, she plans to return for about ten days starting Dec. 26. "Tickets from MEA, Air France and Transavia ranged from 1,000 to 3,000 euros," she said. "Most of us waited before booking due to the [unstable] security, waiting to see which way the balance would tip. Some even canceled their flights," she added, noting that ticket prices dropped before soaring again.
Christelle Melky. (Credit: Charbel Melky)
Finding other expatriates to feel less alone
It is far from his hometown in Zahle that Nicolas Maalouf will celebrate the holidays. Settled in Paris since 2021, Maalouf is pursuing a degree in civil engineering (building and public works) on an alternating basis at the School of Engineering in Nanterre. He believes that Lebanese who can afford it will return home for the holidays regardless of the situation. Forced to postpone his own vacation until the summer of 2024, the student claimed to have checked the prices. "The round-trip ticket on Transavia is 1,400 euros. Honestly, it's a significant amount that hurts," he said. "I am on an alternating basis and am paid, but I wonder what other young Lebanese will do. It is impossible for us to book in advance because we don't even know when we will have vacations," he added.
Jad Karam. (Credit: Person photographed)
Jana el-Amin, who will meet expatriate cousins during the holidays to feel less alone during the holidays, has lived in France for more than a year. The doctoral student in political science at the Catholic University of Lille hesitated to return to her hometown in Labaa, Jezzine for fear of getting stuck if the security situation in southern Lebanon deteriorates. "It's not that I'm afraid to return, but I just started my studies and regularized my papers, and given the situation, I don't want to take the risk and miss this opportunity," she said. "You never know if they decide to suspend flights or close the airport. Besides, a few days ago, it was completely flooded." Forced to cancel her vacation plans, she did not hide her anger at the soaring prices of tickets to Beirut. "The ticket to Dubai or Jordan is cheaper than the one to Beirut. It is even possible to fly cheaper to Canada than to Beirut. It's unacceptable!" she lamented. "The national carrier should offer special rates for students. I don't understand, following what economic logic it operates," she concluded.
This article was originally published by L'Orient-Le Jour.