Heritage Seekers

“People in China were sometimes confused as to why I didn’t speak Chinese, and they would question me. I just had to accept that even though I looked Chinese, I wouldn’t necessarily be able to fit in because I am American. Be patient with yourself, especially if you are learning Chinese, and be comfortable with who you are.” – China participant

“It was very difficult because as a Chinese adoptee many Chinese citizens felt the need to point out my flaws. They liked to tell me that my Chinese was poor, I was too “black” and that I was fat. They often forgot that I was just like the white students who were learning Chinese, and would praise them but degrade me. Do not be afraid to tell people that you are working just as hard as the other students who are also studying. We may not be as appreciated but what matters is that we are studying for ourselves, not for the acknowledgment of others.“– China participant

“I am Indian so my host family was very comfortable with me and didn’t really see me as an “American” student, but as one of them. Families may have biases about you and make assumptions about your identity or how you identify. They may also assume you know or don’t know certain things. Just be yourself.” – India participant

“This was a great opportunity to get in touch with my roots and be able to immerse myself in my identity 100% without fear of being discriminated against. If you are the same ethnicity of the country that you are going to, this is an amazing time to really get in touch with your culture. Depending on where you are from, you may have been discriminated against, like I have. However, in your country, you can really be who you are without fear and don’t ever be ashamed of your identity. Be proud, and really enjoy every moment.” – South Korea participant

“As a Korean-American, I went to Korea with the desire to learn more about my roots. However, my experience abroad made me realize just how deeply my identity was influenced by my life in America. While abroad, I realized how distant I was from the lifestyle and culture in Korea. Despite the similarities I had with Korean people in terms of appearance, it was difficult for me to feel like I really belonged in Korea. After this experience, I felt more convinced and confident of my identity as an American. Make efforts to meet and befriend not just the international and exchange students, but also the local students. Don’t be discouraged if it becomes difficult because there are still a lot of lessons that can be learned from those efforts.” – South Korea participant

“I was able to connect my ethnic group’s experiences to that of the Hmong, but also gain a new lens. I had to remain open-minded to the fact that some things are unfamiliar to me, and to respect the differences as well as appreciate the reasonings behind their customs. It’s important to take a step back and look at how you think differently than the people you study so that you can better understand their way of thinking or problem-solving. No particular way is better, just unique.” – Thailand participant

“I chose my program because I wanted to learn more about the history of my people. It provided another side to the story and allowed us to ask and learn directly from the people who experienced it. Don’t be shy or afraid to prod around. Be bold and ask questions.” – Thailand participant

“My hometown widely celebrates Scandinavian culture, but being able to learn about modern traditions and teach others in my home community about them was an invaluable experience. Scandinavian and Nordic culture has greatly changed since my great grandparents came to America, and to experience and share what the modern life is like is awesome.” – Denmark participant

“I found it interesting to see a lot of the country where my family came from. I also had the chance to visit them and finally meet them which I found incredibly rewarding.” – England participant

“Being a Norwegian and an American, it was a largely personal and intentional choice to go to Norway. It’s where my family comes from and where I call home. I’ve spent most of my life in America and felt somewhat separated from my birth country. These six months were a time to understand myself and heritage better.” – Norway participant

“I felt like once I told locals my dad was born and raised in this country they became even more friendly with me. I think that it positively impacted my experience here. I did not feel homesick; I felt at home. My advice for other people in a similar situation would be to contact anyone you have a relationship with in the country. It makes your experience so much more unique and powerful when you can connect with locals on a different level. You get to learn more about the culture and yourself too.” – Argentina participant

“One of the things I learned about myself included my cultural connection to Cuba. My great-grandparents were Cuban, and I have never had the opportunity to meet them or visit the country. While visiting I saw so many people who resembled me and my family members in facial structure and hair texture. This trip allowed me to learn about a culture that I am a part of but truly have not been able to experience. It added a worldly view to my overall understanding of my family and where we come from.” – Cuba participant