Race & Ethnicity

As a student traveling abroad, you may be concerned about potential racial bias and prejudice without your usual support system. Or, you may be looking forward to being part of the majority population for the first time in your life. You may find that interacting with a community that has a different racial and ethnic makeup than your community at home can be a valuable learning experience.

There is no reason that your racial or ethnic background should prevent you from studying abroad; however, it is important to be aware of the environment you will be entering. You may find it most helpful to speak with other students of color who have studied or traveled in your host country and can provide advice. We also recommend talking to a representative of a specific program or university about the local demographic and cultural realities.

When you contemplate potential destinations, take into consideration all facets of a culture, including possible racism and discrimination. Research the political, cultural and historical context of the country where you will be studying. If you would like to speak with a student of your same racial or ethnic background, our office may be able to put you in touch with students who have studied abroad. Methods of overcoming discrimination abroad can be similar to the methods you use at home. Finding new support groups and adjusting to a new comfort zone is essential to having a fulfilling education abroad experience.

Things to Consider:

• What is the minority, majority, and plurality racial and ethnic composition of my host country? 
• Where do people of my race/ethnicity fit into my host country’s society? Am I likely to be a target of racism/classism, or am I going to be treated the same way in my host country as I am in the U.S.?
• What is the history of racial and ethnic relations and/or tensions in my host country? Is the situation currently hostile to members of a minority race, majority race, or particular ethnicity or religion?
• Are issues of racism/ethnic discrimination influenced by immigration in my host country? How do politicized immigration concerns fuel racial tensions? What is the character of immigrant communities?
• Are there laws in the host country governing race relations? Ethnic relations? What protections are offered to ethnic or racial minorities?

Further reading on this topic:  

https://www.diversityabroad.com/articles/students-of-color-abroad

Women

No matter where you study, you may experience a shift in the ways gender identities, roles, and norms are perceived compared to what you are used to at home. It’s possible that you may be treated differently or be expected to treat others differently based on these factors, and your behavior in some situations may be viewed differently abroad than in the U.S. Consider your actions and inform yourself as best as possible about behavioral expectations, dating, and relationships in your host culture. You may find that what is viewed as acceptable behavior in your host country is offensive to you or makes you uncomfortable. It’s important to check societal expectations with your own personal values.

Whether you have traveled extensively or this is your first time abroad, it’s important to consider your host country’s cultural attitude towards gender roles and norms, especially related to women. Some countries have well-defined gender roles that are ingrained in local customs and/or laws, while others are more fluid with their perception of gender. It’s important to be patient with what you might see as restrictive or too progressive. Finding ways to engage with these differences and to learn from them is an important part of cross-cultural understanding.

Things to Consider:

• Follow the example of women from your host country; dress according to local culture and interact with men according to local customs.  

• Be aware of cultural differences, including body language, that may be misinterpreted in your host culture. 

• Trust your instincts. If you do not feel safe or if someone's behavior is making you uncomfortable, remove yourself from the situation.
• Travel in groups of at least two, especially when you are unfamiliar with a city or town. Walk with purpose and avoid eye contact with strangers.
• Firmly say "no" to any invitation you do not want and turn away. Ignore persistent overtures.
• Stay in control. Don't drink alcohol; staying sober allows you to be alert and aware of your surroundings.

Further reading on this topic:  

https://www.diversityabroad.com/articles/women-going-abroad

LGBTQ

You may already identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or you may still be exploring your identity; regardless LGBTQ+ students face some special considerations when choosing a study abroad program.  

Laws, cultures, and popular attitudes vary from country to country in terms of how sexual orientation, same-sex sexual contact, and gender identities are defined and understood. Some countries are more inclusive and more supportive of LGBTQ+ rights than the U.S.  In others, it may be inadvisable, illegal, or even dangerous for you to come out abroad. Knowing these laws and cultural expectations may help you to decide what countries you might like to visit if you will be out abroad or if you will pursue relationships while abroad. 

Things to Consider

• If you choose a location where you will need to hide your identity for legal or cultural reasons, how will this impact your overall study abroad experience?
• Do you want/need to be part of a supportive LGBTQ+ community? Are there LGBTQ+ organizations on your host campus or in the community?
• What are the laws and cultural norms surrounding relationships and dating? Even if you do not plan to have a sexual relationship while away, become informed about specific laws pertaining to sexual behavior and sexual/gender identity.  
• What types of housing options are available? If you will live with a host family, do you want to specifically request a family that is known to be supportive of LGBTQ+ students? Some students have come out to their host families prior to arrival, while others prefer to get to know them first and then make that decision.
• If you regularly utilize any health or counseling services at home, will these be available and covered by insurance abroad?
• If your gender presentation is different from your legal sex, or if you are in the process of transitioning, what types of challenges might you face with travel, immigration, and documents?

Further reading on this topic:

https://outrightinternational.org/

Disability & Accessibility

A successful experience for ATU students with disabilities wishing to participate in study abroad programs around the world begins with thorough planning. Although programs and universities abroad are becoming more aware of the inclusion of students with disabilities, the extent to which accommodations can be provided depends on the nature of the accommodation, the general situation in that particular country regarding accessibility and available services, and the creativity and flexibility of the student and staff/faculty in planning for the experience abroad. 

Understand, however, that attitudes and perceptions about accessibility and accommodation for students with emotional, mental, learning, or physical disabilities may vary at different program sites and locations.

To discuss what accommodations you might need, contact the ATU Study Abroad Office or ATU’s Office of Student Accessibility Services (SAS).

Things to Consider:

• You should be aware that the level of accessibility, services, and accommodation to which you have access at your home campus may not be available at the program site and host universities. 
• Other countries may provide access and accommodations in different ways.
• Learn about the cultural aspects regarding individuals with disabilities in the country(ies) where you will be studying and traveling, and think about how you will interact in a new cultural environment with your disability.

Further reading on this topic:

https://www.diversityabroad.com/articles/students-disabilities-abroad

Studying in Germany as a Disabled Student
https://www.studying-in-germany.org/studying-in-germany-as-a-disabled-student/ 

Studying in UK as a Student with Disabilities
https://www.studying-in-uk.org/studying-in-uk-as-a-student-with-disabilities/  

Studying in Australia as a Disabled Student 
http://www.studying-in-australia.org/studying-in-australia-as-a-disabled-student/  

Religion

Religion is a salient aspect of many cultures around the world. Still, depending  on where you go, you may find that religion plays a larger or smaller role in society compared with the U.S. The level of commitment to religious diversity and freedom can vary by country. Whether you identify as a member of the dominant religion, a member of another religion, an agnostic, an atheist, or any other religious or spiritual affiliation, it will be important to understand general attitudes of religious tolerance and other religious observances in your host country.

Spending time in a country where the major religion is different from your own can lead to a better understanding of your own notions of spirituality. Additionally, you may wish to connect with a religious community abroad to further your cultural immersion or find a source of support during your time abroad.

Things to Consider:

• Will you be part of a religious majority or a religious minority abroad?
• If you are planning to practice your religion abroad, are there any places of worship you can visit? If not, how will you plan to practice your religion?
• How tolerant is your host country about religion and spirituality? How are atheists or agnostics perceived? Will it be safe for you to wear religious symbols and/or clothing? 
• Is there a separation of church and state in your host country? Are there laws about religion? 
• If you have religious dietary restrictions, will they be accommodated in your host country? If you are living in a homestay, are you open to living in a household with a different religious background than yours?
• Are there any religious holidays that are celebrated as public events in your host country?
• Are there any places of worship that you will be able to visit as part of your study abroad program or on your own? What do you need to know before visiting (such as dress code, etc.)?

Further reading on this topic:

https://www.diversityabroad.com/articles/religious-diversity-abroad