A Guide to APIDA Orgs on Campus
Submitted by Hannah Sazon
Joining the Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) community here on campus has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my college years. As an out-of-state student who only knew one person from high school, I wasn’t sure how I was going to make friends on campus. However, joining one club quickly led to another, and before I knew it, I had found a home and a group of people I could truly call family. Below, I’ve put together a brief guide to the APIDA clubs at UD to help you get to know them and find your own place in this welcoming community!
- Asian Pacific Student Association (APSA)
APSA is the umbrella organization for APIDA groups on campus, representing students with roots across Asia and the Pacific Islands. They’ve got their own room in the Cultural for Intercultural Engagement (CIE), located upstairs in the Perkins Student Center, where they hold weekly office hours so you can stop by, hang out, and get to know the e-board! Each year, APSA hosts big events like their fall NYC trip, their spring Night Market (a huge night of food and performances), and a special keynote speaker for APIDA Heritage Month in May. Past guests have even included Grentperez and Dante Basco!
2. Filipino Student Association (FSA)
FSA celebrates Filipino culture, history, and community here at UD. One of their core traditions is the Ate/Kuya/Ading (AKA) program, which is a family-style lineage system similar to bigs and littles in Greek Life, helping members build close, lasting connections. Their signature event is Culture Night, a showcase featuring performances from many different cultures, with FSA’s own general body closing the night in a grand finale of traditional and modern Filipino dances. They also hold smaller events throughout the semester to cater to different interests, such as sports or singing. FSA is also connected to District 5 of FIND, Inc., a regional network of Filipino student organizations across Delaware, Pennsylvania, and South Jersey, giving members opportunities to meet and collaborate with students beyond UD!
3. Vietnamese Student Association (VSA)
VSA promotes Vietnamese culture and traditions on campus. Each fall, they host the Mid-Autumn Festival, a traditional Vietnamese holiday that celebrates the harvest and the full moon. This event features food, games, performances, and crafts. VSA also runs a popular family program, where members are matched into groups each year to form close friendships. In the spring, they organize the Tết Show, celebrating the Lunar New Year with many cultural performances. VSA has created a welcoming and lively atmosphere for students to experience and engage with Vietnamese culture!
4. Indian Student Association (ISA)
ISA represents Indian and South Asian students on campus by celebrating and educating members about India’s rich traditions and heritage. They bring some of the most vibrant celebrations, including Diwali, the festival of lights, Holi, the festival of colors, and the Multicultural Formal each spring, a campus-wide event that brings students of all backgrounds together!
5. Gujarati Samaj of the University of Delaware (GSUD)
GSUD shares the traditions and heritage of the Gujarati community, an ethnic group from the western Indian state of Gujarat. Through cultural events and educational activities, they give students a chance to experience one of India’s most vibrant regional identities. They are best known for hosting Garba, a massive dance festival every fall open to non-UD students as well, and Mock Shaadi, a fun recreation of an Indian wedding in the spring. GSUD is all about creating community and sharing Gujarati traditions with anyone who wants to join in!
6. Japanese Culture and Language Club (JCLC)
JCLC welcomes anyone curious about the Japanese language and culture! No prior experience is required; all you need is the interest to learn. At their weekly meetings, members can participate in fun activities, practice speaking Japanese, and even get homework help. It’s a great way to learn, connect with others, and dive into anything Japanese, from language to traditions.
7. Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers (SASE)
SASE is open to all students interested in STEM who want to grow professionally and expand their networks. They host opportunities like free professional headshots and friendly competitions, and members even land internships or job offers through SASE’s career resources, like resume reviews and interview prep! The chapter also takes part in the SASE National Conference, a huge annual gathering for networking, workshops, and career opportunities with top companies. On top of all of that, SASE offers a welcoming space for all kinds of backgrounds who share your academic and professional goals.
8. Asian Awareness Perspective and Connections (AAPC)
Lastly, we have yours truly, AAPC! We’re a student-run magazine that highlights Asian voices through articles, art, and podcasts. We are also pretty active on social media, so check out Instagram or TikTok! Each month, we host GBMs that bring people together for cultural discussions or activities. You can even get involved by writing your own article to be published on our website. AAPC is all about creativity and celebrating Asian culture in fresh, exciting ways!
What all these clubs have in common is that they’re welcoming to everyone! You don’t have to be from a particular culture or background to join. Just show up and have fun! Over the years, the APIDA community at UD has grown a lot, with more members and stronger connections between the clubs themselves. It’s very common to see the same familiar faces at multiple clubs, which really just shows how close-knit our community can be. Whether you are looking to explore your heritage, learn about others, or just get involved, there’s a place for you here!
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