CAPA WORLD

CAPA Diversity Advocates scholar Uma Balaji recounts the moments where she's navigated her identity, family history, and circumstances of British colonization in London. She also shares about the daily and unexpected connections she's made with those from the South-Asian diaspora in Europe.

CAPA Fall 2019 Diversity Advocates scholar Maria Do highlights 3 new cultural encounters she had during her semester abroad in Sydney. She also emphasizes why the unfamiliar is so appealing and necessary for growth.

CAPA Spring 2019 Diversity Advocates scholar Jeff Chan tells us about his experience as an LGBTQ+ student abroad. He tells us why he chose Sydney as his destination for a semester away from UMass Amherst and how he has been celebrating his identity!

CAPA Spring 2019 Diversity Advocates scholar Kim Corona attends an immersive art exhibit reflecting multiculturalism from Asia Pacific to Brisbane and talks about some of the compelling artwork she came across. Check out the backstories of the renowned pieces and artists she's covered, including Aboriginal, Pakistani, and Thai artists.

CAPA Spring 2019 Diversity Advocates scholar Juan Gonzalez shares some of the memorable moments from his internship with Kingston Smith LLP in London. He also talks about his innocent mishap involving juice that made for a great laugh with his colleagues! As he reflects on the positive corporate culture and how he was able to foster social connections, he expresses his gratitude for a fulfilling experience during his semester and internship abroad.

CAPA Spring 2019 Diversity Advocates scholar Malia Waltman opens up about her American identity and Chinese heritage, as well as how she is reconciling these facets of herself in Shanghai. She also talks about her experiences with locals, including the advantages and disadvantages of blending in abroad.

CAPA Spring 2019 Diversity Advocates scholar Juan Gonzalez attends the Carnaval de Fraga and celebrates this lively annual tradition in Fraga, Spain. With millions of people of all ages participating in the Carnaval, the city ramps up its energy and shows off its fun side. Juan also falls in love with the city's culture and shares how he was welcomed by the locals!

CAPA Spring 2019 Diversity Advocates scholar Kim Corona writes about the sense of camaraderie she experienced after seeing singers Mitski and Clairo live in Sydney. As a music enthusiast, she tells us about the creative spirit in the city, what it's like to be surrounded by locals with similar interests, and the empowering experience within music. 

CAPA Spring 2019 Diversity Advocates scholar Jeff Chan shows us how Lunar New Year is celebrated in Sydney. He tells us about the similarities and differences between the celebrations in Sydney and Boston (where he grew up), as well as what he enjoyed the most during this cultural festival. 

Lunar New Year is a celebration of the beginning of a new year based on the lunar calendar. Determined by the cycles of the moon, this date changes from year to year. Typically held in January or February, cities all across the world hold festivals and celebrations to help ring in the new year. Unlike the United States, Sydney celebrates the holiday for a week!

The following is an excerpt from a paper written by Lauren Ehrmann—currently a sophomore of Indiana University—that focuses on Black History Month as celebrated in Florence, Italy. The research paper was completed as a requirement of receiving a Diversity Advocates Program Grant and studies other organizations in Florence that explore and encourage the intersections of cultural heritage and immigration. Lauren's focus on these organizations is born of an effort to explore the porosity of multiple cultural heritages made possible in Florence, and the ways that CAPA students could become involved with either cultural heritage or immigration issues while there.