An immersive journey through culture, connection, and celebration for students abroad
Asia’s cultural tapestry is rich with festivals that offer unforgettable experiences, especially for students discovering these traditions for the first time. From sharing celebratory feasts to dancing under lantern-lit skies, taking part in local festivals can be as educational as any classroom lesson. Let’s journey through five countries—Malaysia, Korea, Japan, Dubai (UAE), and Taiwan, and explore one iconic festival in each. We’ll dive into the sights, sounds, and flavors that make these celebrations special, all through a student-friendly lens. By the end, you might just find yourself adding these festivals to your study abroad bucket list!
Malaysia: Hari Raya Aidilfitri – Celebration of Community and Open Houses
In Malaysia, Hari Raya Aidilfitri (Eid al-Fitr) marks the joyful end of Ramadan’s month-long fasting. It’s more than a Muslim holiday—it’s a nationwide celebration of unity. One of its most defining features is the beloved tradition of the “open house” (rumah terbuka), where families open their doors to friends, neighbors, and even strangers (Selvam, 2025). For students, especially those studying in diverse environments like Sunway University in Kuala Lumpur, this is a perfect opportunity to experience authentic hospitality.
Festive tables overflow with Malay dishes like rendang (slow-cooked spiced meat), satay, ketupat, lemang, and an array of colorful kuih raya (festive sweets). Students, both local and international, are encouraged to dress in traditional attire like the baju kurung or baju Melayu and greet each other with “Selamat Hari Raya.” As one Malaysian Chinese student shared, “I never feel like an outsider. Whether it’s sharing rendang or snapping photos in traditional outfits, Hari Raya makes us all feel like family” (Selvam, 2025).
Beyond the food and fashion, it’s the spirit of inclusivity that makes Hari Raya special. And let’s not forget—students love the free food!
South Korea: Chuseok – A Harvest Festival of Gratitude and Family
In Korea, Chuseok is a national holiday comparable to Thanksgiving. It’s a time when families return to their hometowns to give thanks to their ancestors through rituals like charye (ancestor memorial services) and beolcho (visiting and cleaning family graves) (Armstrong, 2025). For Korean students, it’s a cherished break. For international students, it’s a window into one of Korea’s most meaningful traditions.
The holiday centers around iconic dishes like bulgogi, japchae, and the seasonal favorite songpyeon—crescent-shaped rice cakes steamed with pine needles (Asia Society, 2025). At Woosong University, an international-friendly campus, student organizations often host hanbok dress-up days and cultural workshops, allowing foreign students to participate in the customs.
During Chuseok, Seoul becomes quieter, but festive events pop up across the city. At places like Gyeongbokgung Palace or Namsangol Hanok Village, you can join folk games or see the elegant ganggangsullae moon dance (Creasman, 2020). With classmates and local friends as guides, you’ll discover that Chuseok is about more than rituals—it’s about sharing thanks and stories, forming bonds that stretch beyond borders.
Japan: Hanami – A Sakura Celebration of Beauty and Belonging
Japan’s hanami season, when cherry blossoms bloom across the country, is arguably one of the most beautiful times to be a student in Japan. From late March to early April, hanami (flower-viewing) picnics become the ultimate student activity. Parks like Ueno in Tokyo or Maruyama in Kyoto fill with students enjoying bento meals under the soft pink canopy of sakura trees (Quintana, 2023).
For students at The Naganuma School or Kyoto Center for Japanese Linguistic Studies, hanami is both a social highlight and a cultural deep-dive. You’ll likely find your school organizing picnics, tea ceremonies, or even evening yozakura (night hanami) events with lantern-lit trees and traditional music.
Sakura season is a powerful metaphor for impermanence, a reminder to appreciate fleeting moments, whether that’s a petal falling or a friendship forming. As you sit with new classmates, sipping sakura tea and singing Sakura Sakura, you’ll realize that these spring memories are as valuable as any textbook lesson.
Dubai (UAE): Eid al-Fitr – A Festival of Gratitude and Giving
In Dubai, Eid al-Fitr is celebrated with a mix of grandeur and warmth. The end of Ramadan is marked by massive prayers at dawn, followed by feasts, gift-giving, and community events. It’s a public holiday that invites everyone, Muslims and non-Muslims alike, to participate.
For students at Middlesex University Dubai or De Montfort University, Eid offers the perfect opportunity to engage with the local culture. On-campus Eid banquets, henna painting booths, and student-led interfaith gatherings are common. One international student described her experience attending Eid prayers, then celebrating with local friends over dishes like ouzi (spiced lamb rice) and luqaimat (sweet dumplings): “Even though I was far from home, I felt adopted by this big family of friends.”
Public spaces like Dubai Mall and Global Village transform into festive zones with fireworks, live performances, and cultural showcases. The best part? Most events are free, perfect for budget-conscious students. “Eid Mubarak” greetings and sweet dates shared by strangers make you feel at home in a city full of cultural diversity.
Taiwan: Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival – Wishes in the Sky
The Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival in Taiwan is perhaps one of the most magical festivals a student can witness. Held on the 15th day of the first lunar month (usually February), the festival sees thousands of glowing paper lanterns released into the night sky, each carrying handwritten wishes and hopes (Taiwan News, 2025).
International students studying in Taipei—especially those at Chinese Culture University or Fo Guang University, often take organized trips to Pingxi. After writing wishes like “pass all my exams” or “make lifelong friends,” students release lanterns into the night, watching them float into the sky like a constellation of dreams.
If you can’t make it to Pingxi, cities like Taipei host alternative events with massive lantern displays. No matter where you are, the air smells of incense and tangyuan (sweet glutinous rice balls), and performances like lion dances or traditional music add to the festive atmosphere (Mistreanu, 2025). The Pingxi Lantern Festival is not only visually stunning, it’s emotionally moving. In that moment of lift-off, you’re not just watching culture—you’re part of it.
Embrace Your Asian Adventure with Study in Asia
From sharing Hari Raya dishes in a Malaysian kampung to letting go of sky lanterns in Taiwan, studying in Asia offers students something more than just a degree, it’s an education in celebration, community, and cultural identity. These festivals aren’t just holidays. They’re immersive, hands-on lessons in history, language, and human connection.
Why read about the world from a textbook when you can live it?
At Study in Asia, we help students find top academic programs at institutions like Sunway University, Woosong University, The Naganuma School, and Middlesex University Dubai. But beyond academics, we’re here to connect you with real-life cultural experiences that will stay with you forever.