Image from Birthright Israel
Birthright is no longer reserved for Jews.
Following the same model, several cultural organizations and governments have created programs aimed at connecting North America’s diasporic communities to their ancestral cultures.
1) Heritage Greece
Founded by the National Hellenic Society, Heritage Greece offers Greek-American undergraduate students ages 18-26 an immersive two-week summer trip. The trip is specifically aimed at second, third or fourth generation Americans with little or no connection to their Greek heritage. The objective is to introduce them to their culture and arouse their interest and pride. Participants visit important cultural sites, spend time with a Greek family, and take classes in Greek language, cuisine, and culture. In-country fees are covered for participating students.
2) ReConnect Hungary
Hungarian Americans and Canadians ages 18 to 26 are offered a two-week trip designed to expose them to Hungarian culture. They have the opportunity to meet Hungarian businessmen, politicians and other leaders. The journey extends beyond today’s Hungarian borders, to Hungarian communities that were once part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and are now part of other countries. Participants visit the specific villages where their families are from. The trip is not free, but the price goes beyond the travel, food, accommodation and activities.
3) Birthright Macedonia
Anyone over the age of 18 with Macedonian heritage can take part in Birthright Macedonia, which takes place over three weeks in the summer. The program includes an internship program intended to complement personal, academic and/or professional goals while introducing the intern to Macedonian culture, as well as a stay with a Macedonian family, site visits around Macedonia and language classes and Macedonian culture. The program specifically aims to develop contacts and friendships between native Macedonians and members of the Macedonian diaspora.
4) Birthright Armenia
Image from Birthright Israel
Aimed at participants aged 20 to 32, Birthright Armenia is a longer-term program, with a minimum commitment of four weeks of volunteering. The program covers travel costs and provides a monthly stipend to participants who stay more than 18 weeks. Volunteers are matched with a host family and participate in language and cultural immersion while volunteering. More than 800 Armenians from the diaspora have participated so far.
5) TuCuba
The Cuban diaspora organization CubaOne is offering free travel to Cuban-Americans ages 22 to 35 who are looking to reconnect with their Cuban heritage, and specifically build meaningful relationships with the Cuban people. Trips vary in focus and include targeted programs on politics, art and literature, local and national culture, history, ecology and industry. All programs include personal connections with other young Cubans in the participant’s field and/or area of interest.
6) Global Irish Summer Camp
Irish group Diaspora Matters, which aims to connect members of the Irish diaspora with their heritage, has partnered with the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to create the Global Irish Summer Camp, designed for American teenagers of Irish descent between the ages of 15 and 17. The program covers all in-country costs and includes courses and workshops on Irish history, language and culture, as well as relevant excursions to important sites across Ireland.
We wonder if the dating scene crosses cultural boundaries…
Lana Adler is a Forward Fellow working in the opinion space. Follow her on Twitter @Lana_Macondo
