Ties Program Blog

Preparing for Heritage Travel | Ties Travelers Reflect | Hear From Our Team

Elizabeth Kwon 4/30/26 Elizabeth Kwon 4/30/26

Five Things Adoptees Should Know Before Traveling to Their Birth Country a Second Time

Been to your birth country before? Your next trip is going to feel completely different and that's okay. 💜 We're diving into what adoptees can expect on return trips: bigger feelings, new perspectives, and the beauty of seeing familiar places with fresh eyes. Featuring real stories from Ties Team Members and alumni, it's an honest and encouraging guide to traveling with an open heart, releasing expectations, and embracing every feeling along the way.

Elizabeth Kwon 4/2/26 Elizabeth Kwon 4/2/26

Ties Traveler: Meet Beth

Exploring identity, connection and community alongside fellow adoptees and loved ones, Paraguayan adoptee Beth shares a powerful reflection on moments in Asunción and Pirayú, bringing to life the depth of heritage travel and the lasting impact of connecting with culture, language and roots.

Elizabeth Kwon 2/26/26 Elizabeth Kwon 2/26/26

The Importance of Being “Together in This” - Introducing Our New Seminar for Partners of Adoptees

Together in This is a three-part interactive seminar created specifically for partners of adoptees who want to better understand, support, and grow alongside the person they love. We sat down with Ben Kaanta and Sarah Kurtzahn, co-creators of this important seminar, to gain insight into why they felt this course was needed and why they decided to navigate unchartered territory.

Elizabeth Kwon 2/12/26 Elizabeth Kwon 2/12/26

The Assumption of Citizenship: Why Intercountry Adoptees Are Left Out of the Conversation

Many assume that international adoption automatically grants a child citizenship, but this isn't always the case. This post explores the historical and legal reasons why thousands of adult adoptees remain without secure status today.

Elizabeth Kwon 1/29/26 Elizabeth Kwon 1/29/26

Ties Traveler: Meet Emily

Walk with Emily as she reflects on her first trip back to Korea on the inaugural Korean Ties First Wave tour. From overcoming zero interest in Korea to being a full fledged ARMY, Emily’s story will spark familiarity among other adoptees who “get it”.

Elizabeth Kwon 1/22/26 Elizabeth Kwon 1/22/26

Ties Traveler: Meet Liz

Meet Liz Sevigny (they/them/她). Liz is a Chinese adoptee from Yueyang in Hunan Province and a participant in our inaugural China Ties Adult Adoptees Age 21+ heritage journey. Liz shares reflections on returning to their birth country, traveling alongside fellow adult adoptees, and the meaningful experience of meeting with their birth family during the journey.

Autumn Ackerson 1/17/26 Autumn Ackerson 1/17/26

Intercountry Adoptee Rights and Safety Guide: What to Know in 2026

Stay informed, prepared, and supported as an intercountry adoptee. This living guide offers practical tips on rights, documentation, travel, and community resources, helping adoptees navigate immigration enforcement and complex legal questions with confidence and care.