In a study by the Evan B. Donaldson Institute, Hollee McGinnis reports, “For international adoptees positive identity development is most effectively facilitated by lived experiences. Travel to the country of birth topped the list.” Indeed, adoptees embarking on heritage travel are having profoundly significant lived experiences that validate and provide a sought-after first hand knowledge. What most adoptees know about … Read More
Blending In and Standing Out
“I dreamed of going back to my birth country just to be able to fit in.” We hear that a lot. Given the opportunity on a birth country trip, many adoptees are anxious to walk a few steps ahead or a few steps behind whoever they are traveling with (sorry Mom and Dad!) to see what it feels like to … Read More
Language & Birth Country Travel
Language is a bridge, but not the bridge you think. For most adoptees on a homeland journey, language and the ability to communicate is an immediate piece of the journey and has a high impact on identity development. Very few adoptees are able to speak their birth language. As a result, their first interaction with people in their birth country … Read More
Birth Country Travel: Upon Arrival
Perhaps the most significant thing about heritage travel is what adoptees are doing with the experience related to identity building. It is so interesting to see adoptees country after country doing the same kinds of things as they work toward understanding of self. Step One….Literally off the Plane As international adoptees step off the airplane and onto home soil a … Read More