A consequence of making friends abroad is having to say goodbye to them. This summer, I was not very sure what I was getting myself into with a study abroad experience, but I was excited to start my adventure nonetheless. Studying abroad is an experience I think everyones should try, should they do the proper research beforehand. I am very privileged to have gone abroad as I learned more about my culture, career options, made friends, and meet family.
I did not realize how my experiences there would make it harder to leave. Long rides in a van with my boss, getting locked out of a moped, countless orders of boba, swinging my niece around, and more. Before coming back to the US, I spent time with my family and friends, and we exchanged contact information to stay in touch. It was difficult to say goodbye, not knowing the next time I would see them.
Now that I am back in the US, I still text my friends and family almost everyday and we try to schedule trips, game nights, movie sessions. It is very difficult to see my friends and family abroad, but having technology makes it easier. Nothing in my daily routine has changed, besides some additional Asian skincare and haircare tips, and reflection on my experiences.
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In terms of my identity, I learned that I can belong to both cultures, American and Vietnamese, although perhaps not one entirely. As a mixed race individual, that is just something I have to accept and understand. People will treat me differently based on my outward appearance, despite my experiences in life (such as family, culture, racism, etc).
For individuals with a similar identity, and who want to study abroad, I would strongly suggest it if you are able to. Of course, educate yourself first (see my second blog post) and take the opportunity of studying abroad to further educate yourself.
It is hard to be a minority in America, and with a wavering sense of identity it is easy to feel lost. Studying abroad helped me identify where my intersectionality of my race, culture, and experiences lie. I feel more comfortable with my identity and more confident in where I stand with it. It has always been a insecurity of mine, not feeling “Asian enough” but not fitting into American standards at the same time. However, I, among many others, fall into this cross section where we fall between two or more identities, neither fully identifying with, but the experiences are valid nonetheless.
As such, studying abroad this summer was a unique way to connect with my identity, culture, family, and career interests. With that, I am ready to tackle this upcoming school year, all while counting down the days I can see my family and friends in person again.
By Dante' James, Diverse Ducks Ambassador
GlobalWorks Internship in Vietnam, Summer 2023