Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) students
The Asian Pacific Islander Desi American experience is diverse. Individuals within this identity group will have different experiences abroad depending on their intersecting identities, home and host country, and other factors.
Before leaving, reflect on what your APIDA identity means to you and how it shapes you as an individual.
Know that you do not have to represent your entire identity group, and that conversations about your race and ethnicity can open up meaningful dialogue about the complexities, nuances, and diversity of the APIDA identity.
While the APIDA experience abroad can vary greatly, there are a few things that students in the APIDA community often face.
These include:Mistaken identity
Assumptions that all APIDA share the same identity or are from one region or country
Assumptions that you are not from the country you grew up in
Erasure of certain identities from the APIDA community
Stereotypes (both positive and negative) based on appearance/culture
Microaggressions or unwanted public attention
Fetisization
Being aware that these can occur can help you better preprare for your time abroad. Think about how you will engage with these situations and what resources are available to you. While many may seem negative, these experiences often open up opportunities for conversation, learning, and growth.