What’s in Your Bag?
As students embark on their UGRAD journey – exploring the United States, forging friendships, and embracing new experiences—they remain deeply connected to their home countries. One of the most powerful ties to home? The meaningful items they’ve packed in their suitcases. Though thousands of miles away, their UGRAD host campuses are now their second home, filled with new routines and relationships.
Even the most adventurous Global UGRAD students aren’t immune to culture shock or feeling homesick. The craving for familiar flavors, the comfort of their native language, or the warmth of loved ones can sneak up unexpectedly. But cherished mementos from home do more than ease the transition—they become conversation starters, bridges between cultures, and tokens of identity that help students share their heritage while forming new bonds.
Bijay Regmi | Nepal | North Central College
“I brought the national flag of Nepal, famous snacks (noodles), and beautiful photos of Mt. Everest and other cultural and historical sites. I also have Nepali paper diaries as souvenirs for my professors, key rings that feature the Nepali flag, postcards, cultural bracelets, small purses made from plants featuring authentic designs, and items showing cultural places in Nepal. In addition to this, I brought my flute and traditional dress and hat, which are known as Daura Suruwal and Dhaka Topi, respectively.”
Josue Aravelo | El Salvador | University of the Ozarks
“I made sure to bring my national flag! It was the first thing I packed. I knew its importance as I was coming to a different country to represent my own. The national flag represents not only where I come from, but also my language and my culture. I proudly show my flag to anyone who visits my dorm.”
For some UGRADs, meaningful things aren’t always physical items. They can be stories and knowledge about their country and culture that they want to share with others.
Minh An Vu | Vietnam | University of Southern Indiana
“In January, I was lucky enough to be given the opportunity to present about my country on Tet, our Lunar New Year. I discussed demographic information and popular facts about Vietnam, as well as three things I love most about my country. As can be seen from the slide, Vietnamese cuisine is awesome! I wore my traditional attire, and brought paper pop-up books featuring famous monuments, Tet sweets, and Vietnamese snack for everyone. I received many questions and interacted with both American and international students in the audience!”
Whether represented in a national flag, a favorite snack, or cultural presentations, UGRADs capture and share the feeling of home in many ways. These pieces of home are reminders of where Global UGRADs come from, and where they will be returning to as transformed, confident leaders. UGRAD students will continue to grow in the United States, and they will always find ways to make both their home and host communities feel that much closer.