What words would you use to describe your identity/identities? 

First generation, college-educated Latina.

Has studying and interning abroad impacted your educational and/or professional aspirations or path? If so, how?

I want to change the world. I think that is possible through education, and studying abroad in Santiago with IES Abroad has given me the opportunity to work with marginalized communities, and through education, I have personally seen the impact it can have.

In one sentence, tell students who identify similarly why interning abroad is a good idea, particularly for them. 

Do it. Honestly, being abroad opens your horizons, challenges you to get out of your comfort zone, and makes you conscious of the importance of multicultural experience even as a person of color. I know that money might be an issue, but look for scholarships, as there is a lot of money out there for students of color to go abroad. It may feel like a risk, but honestly do it, it’s worth it. I can say the experience can be life-changing.

Want to read more about Yesenia?  Check out her interview about what its like to be a First-Generation Student Abroad. 

What words would you use to describe your identity/identities? 

Bangladeshi, American, Muslim, woman, artist, petite :)

What motivated you to choose to study abroad?

My host university had a strong international education office and offered a lot of guidance, as well as financial support. I also wanted to study abroad in an ecologically diverse location where I could also practice Arabic, and studying abroad in Morocco was a perfect fit.

When you studied abroad, did your identity/identities influence your experience in significant and/or surprising ways? If so, how?

Certainly, who we are, I think, shapes how each of us interprets and makes sense of any experience. As a minority in the U.S., it was different to finally experience what it felt like to blend in. But, surprisingly enough, at the same time, I also found myself identifying more as an "American," and was able to reconcile with my complex intersectional identities.

Has studying abroad impacted your educational and/or professional aspirations or path? If so, how?

Moving halfway across the country was a terrifying decision for me. If I hadn't gone abroad and already experienced what it was like to leave home for four months, I don't think I would have taken such a bold leap and pursued storytelling professionally. And, beyond that, I had (and at times still do have) very little faith in myself—as a first-generation college student, from a low-income family—to think I can take these risks. But going abroad, participating in the IES Abroad Study Abroad Film Festival, and meeting incredible women like Kiah and Amy has given me more confidence to believe in myself.

What words would you use to describe your identity/identities? 

I identify as a first-generation, African-American engineering student that attends an HBCU (Historically Black College or University). 

What motivated you to choose to study abroad?

I wanted to study abroad to challenge my ability to adapt to uncomfortable and unfamiliar situations while exploring the world.  When you're abroad, there are varying mindsets, 

What words would you use to describe your identity/identities? 

I identify as a first-generation, African-American engineering student that attends an HBCU (Historically Black College or University). 

What motivated you to choose to study abroad?

I wanted to study abroad to challenge my ability to adapt to uncomfortable and unfamiliar situations while exploring the world.  When you're abroad, there are varying mindsets, languages, and daily routines that make it challenging, but I was ready for the challenge.

While you studied abroad, was there something about yourself or China that you were surprised to learn or experience? 

In Chinese academic settings, I was shocked to find that you're only judged based on your academic achievement.  Much of your social status is judged on you doing well academically, and that brings pride to your family.  While fashion, social status, and other factors play a larger role in American society. 

Has studying abroad impacted your educational and/or professional aspirations or path?  If so, how? 

Studying abroad has inspired me to be an international business owner and to continue to teach myself Chinese. I love that I studied in China, where they speak the most widely spoken language in the world. 

What experiences or skills gained from studying abroad continue to influence your life now?

I learned how to travel alone while in China, as well as how to study effectively.  I also learned project management skills that will be applicable to my summer internship at Microsoft.

In one sentence, tell students who identify similarly why studying abroad is a good idea, particularly for them. 

Studying abroad is a good idea for first-generation students because it broadens your horizons and answers many questions about life you didn't know you had. 

Share one of your favorite memories from your time abroad. 

My favorite experience was climbing Mount Huashan in Xi'an, China during golden week.  Golden week is a week-long celebration of the Chinese government, similar to July Fourth. Mount Huashan is the world's most dangerous hike, and I climbed to the top.  That week was peak travel week, and I got to see the tourist attractions and crowded transportation systems. 

Get to know Terrence a little better by reading his blogs. He was a Fall 2018 IDEA Correspondent.

What words would you use to describe your identity/identities? 

I am a Japanese American/Asian American, bi-racial, cisgender woman, and the first in my family to study abroad. 

When you studied abroad, did your identity/identities influence your experience in significant and/or surprising ways? If so, how? 

It has always been interesting for me, simultaneously identifying as Asian American as well as bi-racial, because I do not necessarily "match" the outward appearance of what most might consider an Asian American to look like, but, it is still an identity I hold close.  With that said, there were some situations where I was able to "blend in" a bit more than some of my other classmates, due to my dark hair and olive complexion. Even my host mom in Rabat said she thought I was Arab rather than Japanese. However, in other situations, my race was occasionally used in catcalls on the street (a normal habit among younger Moroccan men, particularly towards American and Eurocentric women).  My mixed-race identity is something I am constantly aware of and notice, sometimes because of the feeling of not being "enough" for either race, but also because I am often treated differently in a given situation depending upon how people choose to view me: whether that be one race, the other, or a recognition of both.  This did not seem to change while I was living in Morocco, but it was played out in different ways, which was both expected yet a bit surprising. 

Has studying abroad impacted your educational and/or professional aspirations or path? If so, how? 

Well first, my study abroad experience has led to the job I currently have with IES Abroad! Otherwise, my education while in Rabat really turned the trajectory of my college career, leading me to concentrate on the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region and Islamic culture and politics.  I have always known I wanted some sort of international career, whether that be in international education, international affairs, foreign diplomacy, etc.; but after having studied in Morocco, I knew I wanted my main area of focus to be in the Middle East and North Africa. 

What experiences or skills gained from studying abroad continue to influence your life now? 

My time studying in Morocco opened my mind and widened my perspectives of cultural diversity more than I had ever expected.  One of the most crucial lessons I learned while abroad, was to let go of all of oneself to a completely new and foreign way of life, and that is something I could have never learned, had I not lived it for four months.  Even now, years later, I continue to think about this new perspective as I continue to utilize it in my everyday life, in a constant effort to be more empathic, understanding, flexible, and open-minded.

Share one of your favorite memories from your time abroad.

One of the most surreal moments during my time abroad was the IES Abroad trip to the Sahara Desert. Being able to wake up at 4:00 a.m. with all of my friends to sit in the desert and watch the sun-rise over the dunes, as well as just seeing all the stars in the sky more clearly than I ever had before, is something I'll never forget