Exploration USA Weekend 2025: Our Scholars Gather in Chicago!
Every year, Ashinaga USA Scholars gather for Exploration USA Weekend, held in a different city for students to learn about the culture and history of the US, and to promote inter-generational bonding between cohorts. This year 8 Scholars and 1 Graduate gathered in March; three Scholars reflect on their experience in Chicago.
Festus (Northwestern University)
One of the things I look forward to most every spring is the Ashinaga Exploration Weekend. Not only does it give me the opportunity to see more of the U.S., but it also allows me to share some memorable experiences with other Ashinaga scholars. Most of the time, we are visiting new places for the first time, and there is something special about experiencing culture shocks together. This year’s exploration was held in Chicago—the city where I live. Things quickly became lively, especially since our exploration coincided with Chicago’s famous St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. It was an honor to host my fellow scholars and show them around the city. Even though I’ve lived in Chicago for nearly four years, I hadn’t realized just how much I knew about it until I had the chance to be a guide.
One of my favorite moments from the weekend was helping my friends navigate Chicago’s public transportation system on a busy Saturday. With so many people using public transit at the same time, it tested my patience, but it was also exciting to see my friends get familiar with the CTA. Another memorable experience was the lunch we had at an African restaurant on the South Side of Chicago. I rarely spend time in that part of the city, and I don’t often dine out, so this was a unique experience for me. Sitting at a table with nine other African scholars, sharing a meal that reminded us of home, was incredibly special. We exchanged stories about our home countries, our Ashinaga journeys, and our experiences as international students in the U.S. The entire atmosphere made me feel a deep sense of connection and nostalgia—it truly felt like a piece of home in the middle of Chicago.
Lakshanah (Tufts University)
From trying to ace our SATs in Uganda to reuniting in Chicago, it was like a dream come true. The wonderful city of Chicago, with beautifully architected skyscrapers towering above us, we walked downtown while admiring the energetic crowd dressed in green for St. Patrick’s Day. On our way, we took some moments to gaze at the shiny Bean, the green-dyed Chicago River, and the fantastic buildings. We also visited the Chicago Architecture Center and learned about the history behind the admirable architecture. We took a lot of photos throughout the journey to seal these beautiful moments in time. Moreover, at one point it was very windy, and it made sense to me why Chicago is called the city of wind. After exploring downtown Chicago, we had a delicious meal at the Yassa African Restaurant. Then we came back to the Airbnb and continued to share our stories and experiences since we all attend different universities in the United States. We shared words of wisdom as well as encouraged one another to keep going. The path to become African leaders is not always easy, but us Ashinaga scholars and alumni being there for each other makes the journey more memorable.
Nyuon (Bucknell University)
Our trip to Chicago was truly unforgettable—an experience filled with exploration, learning, and deep connections. One of the highlights was reuniting with fellow Ashinaga Scholars, strengthening our bonds, and simply enjoying each other’s company. It was also incredibly insightful to hear from our seniors, who generously shared their experiences navigating college life, the internship search, and preparing for life after university. Their advice was both encouraging and eye-opening, reminding us of the importance of perseverance and networking as we continue working toward our own goals.
The timing of our visit made it even more special, as we had the chance to witness Chicago’s lively Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations and the river dyed green. We also had the opportunity to explore Museum Park, where we enjoyed breathtaking views of the city’s skyline and took in the refreshing Chicago breeze. To top it all off, we indulged in incredible African cuisine at Yassa, a Senegalese restaurant that felt like a taste of home. Sharing a delicious meal while reminiscing and laughing together made the trip even more meaningful. A special thanks to Ashinaga for organizing such an incredible experience. It was a truly enriching weekend!
Learn more about our Leadership Development Initiative, including Tsudoi and Exploration Weekend here: Leadership Development Initiative