“During my time in Berlin, I grew closer to my own culture, and met fellow Belarusians and Ukrainians in the streets. The Plattenbau architecture reminded me of my own heimat, the city of Minsk, where the rest of my family resides. Studying abroad, though it dragged me further away from campus, actually brought me closer to home.”
“Growing up being adopted from China, I always felt displaced and out of place and always wondered what it was like in Eastern Countries where I was originally born. Coming to Korea, it was both odd in its unfamiliarity and comforting to be around people who looked like me and not be the minority. And at EWHA especially, an all-women's university, I felt an overwhelming sense of pride and admiration for all the strong, talented, and amazing Asian women whose footsteps I was following in.”
"After my trip, I felt even more connected to Vietnam. I miss the fresh fruits, the delicious street food, the bargaining adventures at the Ben Thanh Market, and my relatives. Now, instead of trying to choose one ‘home,’ I have two places to call ‘my home.’ There were times in my life when I tried to choose one identity, but why not take the best assets of both cultures and just be ME — a proud Vietnamese-American."
"My identity as a Russian and multicultural student made studying abroad in the Czech Republic much easier than it seemed to be for others in my program. Russian is somewhat similar to Czech and I learned a bit of it before going on the program so there was little to no language shock. I also didn’t experience much culture shock because I’m used to adapting to multiple different cultures quickly, and Russian culture is somewhat similar to the Czech culture."
Use this page to explore considerations, opportunities, and challenges related to traveling abroad as a heritage seeker.
As you consider and prepare for an international experience, use the questions here as a guide. Keep in mind that this is not an exhaustive list and you may relate to multiple identities. You are encouraged to discuss these topics in person with an education abroad advisor in your school or college.
Take a deeper dive into issues of race and ethnicity in international travel by exploring these personal stories from fellow Travel Seekers:
Having a connection to a culture, language, or place does not mean you have to know everything about it. You may feel pressure to speak the language fluently, understand local customs, know the history, or be perceived as fitting in culturally or socially. These expectations may come from others, from family or community, or from yourself.
A heritage-seeking experience can be powerful because it allows you to explore identity with curiosity rather than perfection. You can honor your connection while learning in real time and recognizing that culture is lived differently across families, generations, regions, and communities.
Heritage travel can bring joy, belonging, pride, curiosity, and connection, but it can also bring disappointment, confusion, frustration, or a stronger awareness of being seen as an outsider. Whether or not you speak the local language, you may feel both connected and distant at different points in the experience. Many students experience a mix of feelings, including feeling more connected to their heritage, more aware of their U.S. or multicultural identity, or both.
Planning ahead can help you care for yourself in those moments. Think about who you can talk to, how you process difficult experiences, and what boundaries help you stay grounded. If you encounter assumptions, stereotypes, or uncomfortable questions, reach out to program staff, trusted peers, advisors, returned students, or your support system when you need space to reflect.
