Heritage Seekers
Heritage seekers or heritage learners are sometimes described as students who are
drawn to study abroad in a particular country and culture "not because it is unfamiliar
and new, but rather because it is somewhat familiar" (IIE). For some students, studying abroad in a country where they have ancestral ties provides
a unique opportunity to connect and learn about their ancestral and cultural history.
When studying abroad in their ancestral land, students may find that their perceptions
of their host country will be challenged. Students may find that the local community
accepts them because of shared ethnic ties, but students may still be viewed as an
outsider due to cultural and national identity differences. Heritage students will
be able to learn more about themselves and how they identify with others throughout
their experience abroad. Talk to your Education Abroad Advisor about the possibility
of choosing a program that explores your heritage.
Questions to consider with an Advisor/by yourself:
- How do I learn more about my country of origin?
- How will my heritage, race, and ethnicity be perceived in my home/host country?
- What aspects of my heritage am I most interested in learning more about (Religion,
Language, Cuisine)?
- Will I be accepted by the citizens in my home/host region? What should I do if I’m
not accepted?
- Will there be other heritage students in my program?
- Am I used to being part of the minority at home? How will it be to be a part of the
majority abroad?
- Do I speak the language of my home/host country and how will that affect my experience?
- How should I react if other students in the program look to me to be an “expert” even
if I’m not?
- How should I react if someone generalizes of incorrectly identifies my ethnicity?
Tips for having a positive study abroad experience:
- Find international students from your host country at your home university
- Research the culture of your host country to find out what similarities and differences
exist between how you were raised and the host culture.
- Be aware that people may generalize or incorrectly identify your ethnicity
Resources:
