Research suggests that studying abroad influences your social identity. Social identity is an affiliation with specific groups, such as class, race, gender, and disability. Studying abroad can challenge specific identities or solidify an identity not previously considered. You are encouraged to think about how your identities will be part of your international experience.

Identity-Based Resources

If you are a U.S. citizen student studying abroad, people from the host country may focus on your identity as an American. You may find it challenging to always be labeled as an American because there may be other parts of your identity that are more important to you. You should think about what it means to be an American abroad and how you might respond to various questions and comments you may receive.

Resource: So You’re an American? (Created by the Department of State)

The lens through which disability is viewed varies greatly throughout the world. Views on accessibility, independence, confidentiality, and respect for individual rights also differs from one country to the next. In many countries, there are no standards, requirements, or laws for providing access for disabled individuals.

Although this reality creates challenges, planning and preparation are the keys to having a successful study abroad experience. You are encouraged to consult with the Office for Global Engagement and Disability Services early so they can assist you in selecting the best program for your needs and ensuring accommodations are available in the location.

As you explore programs and prepare for departure, consider the following:

  • What accommodations do you need to live in the country and participate in the program? Consider academic, physical access, housing, transportation, and dietary accommodations.
  • How many days and/or weeks can you consecutively travel and live abroad without compromising your physical or mental health and medical or disability needs?
  • Are you comfortable disclosing your disability and/or accommodation needs on applications, to trip organizers, to faculty, or others in the country if asked?
  • What are the host country’s perceptions or views of individuals with disabilities?
  • What is the host country’s definition of “accessible,” and does it match what you are used to or need?
  • What is the host country’s disability law, if any?
  • What is the host program’s process for getting accommodations?
  • What is the host program’s ability to fund accommodations?
  • What is the current level of physical accessibility in the city/country?
  • What transportation and housing options are available, and are they conducive to your needs?
  • Do the people speak a different language that could present communication barriers?
  • What are the cultural norms around interpersonal relations and verbal/nonverbal communication, and could they pose any challenges given your disability?
  • Can you travel with any needed medication(s), and will you be able to access refills to medication(s) in the country?
  • Will you be able to access mental health services, counseling, medical care, or physical rehabilitation services in thecountry?

For help addressing these considerations, explore these resources:

Students of color represent the diversity of American colleges and universities while abroad. Choosing the right program and program location for your educational and life goals will ensure you have a transformational experience. You are also encouraged to consider how your identity will be part of your experience in your host culture.

As you explore programs and prepare for departure, you may find it helpful to consider the following:

  • How might different aspects of your identity play out during your time abroad?
  • Who is perceived as an ethnic or racial minority in your host country, and how is that perception different than your experience as a person of color in the U.S.?
  • How are race and ethnicity viewed differently in the host country than in the U.S.?
  • How are your racial identity and ethnicity perceived in the host country?  What stereotypes exist about your race and ethnicity in the host country?
  • What are your host country's history, politics, and current issues in relation to race and ethnicity and other identities?
  • Would you like to explore your heritage while abroad?
  • How may the host culture react to someone who looks like them but has different experiences, knowledge, and language fluency?
  • Are there strong and vibrant communities in the host country that support your identities?

For help addressing these considerations, explore these resources.

You are encouraged to direct questions to a study abroad advisor in the Office for Global Engagement.

First-generation students are in an especially unique position to succeed in study abroad given previous experience with forging new paths for themselves in college and navigating unfamiliar environments and systems. Choosing the right program and program location for your educational and life goals will ensure you have a transformational experience. You are also encouraged to consider how your identity will be part of your experience in your host culture.

As you explore programs and prepare for departure, you may find it helpful to consider the following:

  • Do your family and friends support your decision to study abroad? If not, what information would help them feel more comfortable with your decision?
  • Do you understand all costs (program fees, airfare, visa, health insurance, etc.) associated with studying abroad? Do you understand how your scholarships and financial aid will apply? Have you applied for all possible scholarships for study abroad?
  • Do you have a passport? Do you need assistance to apply?
  • Have you traveled internationally before? What information would help you feel more prepared?

For help addressing these considerations , explore these resources.

You are also encouraged to direct questions to the Office for Global Engagement.

Study abroad provides an opportunity for students who identify as LGBTQ+ to expand on their academic coursework and also explore how other cultures conceptualize identities related to sexual orientation and gender expression. You are encouraged to consider how your identity will be part of your experience in your host culture. Choosing the right program and program location for your educational and life goals will ensure you have a transformational experience.

As you explore programs and prepare for departure, you may find it helpful to consider the following:

Community and Culture:

  • Are there strong and vibrant communities in the host country or at the university that support your identities? If finding a community is important to you, where will you find support if there isn’t a strong community in your host country?
  • Are there resources for LGBTQ+ students at the institutionyou will be attending?
  • What are your host country's history, politics, and current issues in relation to LGBTQ+ individuals and other identities?
  • Are there laws in the host country that would infringe on your rights as an LGBTQ+ individual?
  • What do cultural expressions of gender and sexuality look like in the host country?
  • What are cultural norms related to friendship and dating?

Living Abroad:

  • Is there LGBTQ+ friendly housing? Can the institution you will be attending accommodate requests for single rooms, private bathrooms, and/or roommate preferences?
  • Does the university have gender-neutral bathrooms?
  • How open will you be about your sexual orientation, gender expression, and personal pronouns with your teachers, peers, friends, host family, and others?

Transgender Identity:

  • What are the local attitudes toward transgender individuals in the host country?
  • What are the laws regarding gender identity and travel documentation?
  • Is it safe to be a transgender individual in the host country?
  • Will you need access to any medications, supplies, or services to properly care for any medical needs, including those related to physical transition, like hormones? Are they available in your host country? If not, will you need any additional documentation to travel with any medications or supplies? Will it be possible to travel legally with these supplies?
  • If you are currently utilizing insurance for any health services, including those related to physical transition, what does insurance coverage look like while abroad?

For help addressing these considerations, explore these resources.

You are also encouraged to direct questions to the Office for Global Engagement.