Identity Resources

Issues of race vary depending on the student and the host country. Some students may be racial minorities at home but will be studying in a country where their race is the majority. Others may face becoming a racial minority for the first time. In many cases, students may find race is less salient than their nationality while abroad. Whatever the situation, it is important for students studying abroad to identify and reflect on their own experiences with racial issues and their own preconceived notions and expectations. Other cultures have very different ways of dealing with these issues, and students may encounter individuals who range from overly curious to completely disinterested in their racial backgrounds. Use your study abroad opportunity to examine the ways another culture navigates race and racial issues that may differ from those of your home country. The more aware and prepared you are about these issues in your host country before departure, the less likely you are to jump to negative conclusions in confusing situations. Use the following links to learn more about race and travel abroad:

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, queer, intersex, asexual, pansexual, and allies (LGBTQIA+) students should expect to face many of the challenges typical of their heterosexual peers. In fact, some study abroad advisors have noted that LGBTQIA+ students are better equipped to deal with common cultural barriers abroad because they may already be familiar with the role of "minority" or "outsider". Levels of tolerance, acceptance, and support for LGBTQIA+ individuals vary greatly from culture to culture. LGBTQIA+ students will find their experiences more successful if they prepare themselves by becoming educated on the legal and cultural issues facing LGBTQIA+ people in their host culture. Follow these links to educate yourself about LGBTQIA+ issues abroad:

All genders may experience a shift in the importance gender plays in their (perceived) identities while abroad.

Women comprise about 65% of U.S. students studying abroad today. Treatment and expectations of women vary greatly from culture to culture. Women may encounter restrictions in dress, behavior, and activities. While this may at first seem very limiting, there are also activities and behaviors in these cultures that are women-only. Though this kind of restriction can be frustrating at times, it is also a rare chance to learn about and understand the special roles of women in these cultures. To learn more about gender issues abroad, please follow these links: 

Students with disabilities face unique challenges and growth opportunities in the study abroad experience. Students with disabilities may find themselves better equipped to deal with these challenges because of past experiences being part of an under-represented group. With proper planning and communication, this experience can be tremendously rewarding for the student and host community. Each culture differs in the way people perceive and accommodate levels of ability. For these reasons, it is important to do the following: 

• Disclose any disability to the study abroad program as early as possible in order to ensure that the program is right for you and that necessary arrangements can be made. 

• Anticipate differences in the way your host community may provide support. Your host culture may have different perceptions or may handle disability differently. Even if that culture approaches disability in the same way the US does, you may be studying with students from all over the world who will bring their culturally specific expectations with them. Prepare yourself by reading about your host culture and by talking to alumni of your program. Once you arrive in your host community, be flexible and keep an open mind about different kinds of support and accommodation. 

• Prepare yourself with the language skills to talk about your disability with those on your program and in your host country. 

*Adopted from University of Minnesota's Access Abroad (https://umabroad.umn.edu/resources/identity/disabilities). 

Some questions to ask: 

You might also find it helpful to research the host culture's attitudes toward disabilities, both visible and invisible, in order to get a sense of how to prepare yourself for your time abroad. Some questions to consider: 

• How are people with my disability viewed in the host country? How will I field questions about my disability? 
• What kinds of accommodations will I need in terms of housing and transportation once in the host country?
• How accessible will my dorms/campus/environs be? 
• What resources are available to me in the host country if I need assistance or support? 
• Will my disability prevent me from participating in excursions offered by my program? 

Spirituality and religion play an important role in many of our students' lives, and in the lives of the host community members. One of the most exciting and interesting things about experiencing another culture is developing a multi-dimensional understanding of religious traditions and beliefs that differ from our own. To have a successful experience, an open mind regarding religious pluralism and diversity is important for students studying abroad. 

Some other things to consider are: 

• What is the degree of religious tolerance in your host country? What is the dominant religion in your host country? Are all religions tolerated? 
• Will you be part of the religious majority or minority? 
• Is it safe to wear religious symbols and/or clothing? 
• How are atheists and agnostics perceived in the host country? 
• Are there laws regarding religion (e.g., proselytizing Christianity is banned under Chinese law)? 
• Is there separation of religion & the government?

Begin expanding your own understanding of religions across cultures and how your beliefs fit with those of your host culture by exploring the links below: 

Many students who transfer to Seattle University are able to incorporate an education abroad during their time at Seattle University! Contact the Education Abroad Office as soon as you start at Seattle University to see what type of program best fits your academic, financial, and personal goals. 

Here are some things to consider and questions to answer when selecting a program: 

• Will I graduate on time? What length of program can I fit into my academic plan? 
• What courses am I required to take at Seattle U? 
• Talk to your academic advisor to see which courses in your major degree requirements can be a course that you can take abroad. 
• Speak with your Education Abroad Advisor to see what programs are available that fit your academic, financial, and personal goals.  
• Do I want a program that offers practical experience (internship, research) in addition to regular courses? 
• What scholarships are available to support my education abroad? 

Adapted materials from University of Wisconsin-Madison 

Just like being the first in your family to study at a higher education institution, being the first in your family to study abroad can be an exhilarating, daunting, but incredibly rewarding experience!  

While traveling to a new culture and learning in a new setting may be similar to your first year at college, there may be additional challenges that come alongside amazing new opportunities. Speak with your family, friends, advisors, and professors about the benefits of studying abroad. Seek out resources and support prior to, during, and after your study abroad experience to maximize your time in another country and when you return home. 

As the number of first-generation students study seeking international experiences abroad students increases every year, we hope that Seattle U first-generation students find the opportunities and know that the Education Abroad Office is excited to work with you to assist in your success abroad and in the future!