Cultural Crossroads: Celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month 2025

This AAPI Heritage Month, we’re honoring the voices of our Asian American and Pacific Islander students. As they explore their host countries and cultures abroad, they bring their own traditions, perspectives, and stories that create an experience that is uniquely their own.

Our students aren’t just travelers—they’re learners, community builders, and now, global citizens. Dive into their blogs, gain insight from their journeys, and see how they’re shaping a more inclusive and connected world.

Thinking about your own journey abroad? Exploring the world starts with knowing how to be you. Take a look at our scholarships and student resources to help you get there.

Stories Worth Sharing 📖

Life as a CJS Student at Nanzan University

Emma S. balances language learning and independence in Nagoya.

Navigating Difference While Abroad

Roma S. finds belonging through cultural and personal identity shifts.

Have a Friend Visiting Milan? Here’s a Guide.

Kenzie N.'s take on how to share Milan like a local, stress-free.

Winter Break and A Little More, Preparing for Abroad

Kiera P. reflects, recharges, and gets real about going abroad.

TikToks That Belong on Your FYP📱

Our AAPI Correspondents are capturing the study abroad experience one TikTok at a time—from the everyday to the unforgettable. Feel the bittersweet ending of saying goodbye to Tokyo after a life-changing semester, tag along for a day in the life of a student in Barcelona, and join the ultimate quest to find the best döner kebab in Berlin. A blend of humor, heart, and cultural insight—this is what study abroad looks like.

Student searching for the best doner kebab in Berlin

“To my fellow Asian-Americans, our experience may look different in terms of culture, sense of belonging, food, etc., but that’s ok. There is no one way to “study abroad” and I think it’s important that this time abroad is meaningful to us.”
Jacob C. (IES Abroad Madrid | Spring 2023 | Haverford College)

Study Abroad, One Pic at a Time 📸

From tapas in Barcelona to street style in Seoul and boats in Amsterdam—our students are capturing it all. Check out their Instagram posts for a peek into their study abroad adventures!

“Studying abroad is about getting out of your comfort zone, and trying something new. I approach things this way—I’m never coming here anytime soon, never seeing these people again. If I’m to regret it, I might as well try and regret it instead of the other way around.”
Astha D. (IES Abroad Milan | Spring 2024 | Denison University)

Avery Trinidad: IES Abroad 2022 Correspondent of the Year ⭐

In an interview with Avery Trinidad, our IES Abroad 2022 Correspondent of the Year, he reflects on his transformative study abroad experience in Berlin. He discussed how immersing himself in a new culture challenged his perspectives and contributed to his personal growth. Avery emphasized the importance of embracing discomfort and uncertainty, noting that these experiences often lead to the most meaningful insights. He also highlights the value of storytelling in connecting with others and making sense of one's journey. Throughout the interview, Avery's reflections underscore themes of self-discovery, cultural adaptation, and the power of narrative in shaping our understanding of the world.

“If there are any prospective students on the fence about taking on this adventure, I would highly encourage you to apply! It was such a great experience that I wouldn’t trade for anything.”
Chloe A. (IES Abroad Amsterdam | Spring 2024 | Sarah Lawrence College)