Identity Resources
The Seattle University Education Abroad Office is committed to promoting equity and inclusion within international education. We are particularly focused on growing and improving the experience of students from groups typically underrepresented in education abroad.
Identity and Disclosure
In the United States, we tend to use different characteristics of our personalities, backgrounds, and/or physical selves to help us discern who we are as individuals, and to help us understand how we fit within the larger context of our culture and population. Many of us identify with several groups at once.
When preparing to immerse yourself in another culture, it is important to reflect on the different ways you identify as an individual. You may find that a majority identification in the United States is a rarity in your host culture. For instance, if your race is a huge identifying factor for you at home, you might be surprised to learn that while abroad, your nationality (U.S. citizen) could become much more important to those around you.
To decide what is important to disclose to your host community, you may want to think about what parts of your identity might create barriers for you in experiencing that host culture. For instance, will your African host culture find your vegetarian lifestyle offensive? If so, could you "shelve" it for the duration of your program? Likewise, U.S. students may want to wait and understand their host climates before disclosing political party beliefs and alignments.
Our office is committed to making your experience abroad a successful, enriching, and safe one. Please contact us with any specific questions or concerns related to your identity and education abroad. To learn more about diversity issues in global education, visit Diversity Abroad (https://www.diversityabroad.com/).
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Race and Ethnicity
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:
- 10 Reasons for African American Students to Study Abroad - Transitions Abroad
- 6 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Studied Abroad as an African American - Go Overseas
- African American Students and Potential Issues Abroad - Allabroad.us
- Black Girls Abroad Blog - Black Girls Abroad
- Black/Multicultural Professional in International Education (B/McPIE) - NAFSA Member Interest Groups (MIGs)
- Managing Black Hair Abroad - Diversity Abroad
- Stories, Tips and Journeys from a Community of Travelers - Black and Abroad
- 10 Reasons for Asian/Pacific Islander Students to Study Abroad - Transitionsabroad.org
- Reflections on study abroad for Asian / Pacific Islander Students - Allabroad.us
- 10 Reasons for Hispanic American Students to Study Abroad - Transitionsabroad.org
- Hispanic / Latin American Students and Potential Issues Abroad - allabroad.us
- Advice from Hispanic and Latin American Study Abroad Students - allabroad.us
10 Reasons for Native American Students to Study Abroad - Globaled.us
- Meaningful Travel Tips & Tales for Arab Americans - goabroad.org
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LGBTQIA+ Students 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:
- US. Dept. of State LGBT Travel Information
- NAFSA: Rainbow Special Interest Group
- World Map with Information about Laws specific to LGBTQ+ Communities - International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersexc Association
- Diversity Abroad’s Resource Page for LGBTQ Travelers
- Major Life Lessons I Learned Studying Abroad as an LGBT Student
- NPR - Know an LGBTQ Student Itching to Study Abroad? Here are Some Things To Think About
- OutRight – LGBTIQ Human Rights
- United Nations - Human Rights by Country
- Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Returned Peace Corps Volunteers
- LGBTQI+ Country Guide - Chapman University
- LGBTQI+ Student Guide for Education Abroad with Student Resource for Multiple Countries - University of South Florida
- Know Your Rights / Airport Security
- A Trans-Guide to “When traveling, what should you do?”
- Passport Gender Change Policy
- The Global Divide on Homosexuality
- Legal Status of Same-Sex Relationships Around the World
- Gender Transition Applicants - U.S. Department of State
- Legal Help Desk- Transgender Law Center
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Women Travelers 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:
- DiversityAbroad.com's Women Abroad Resource Page
- U.S. State Department's "Go Guide" For Women
- Solo Female Travel: Lessons Learned by 33 Expert Women Travelers
- Sexual Harassment and Prevention in College Students Studying Abroad
- Transitions Abroad: Women Travel Resources
- JourneyWomen's Travel Abroad Tips - including safety and culturally appropriate clothing advice
- Her Own Way - A Woman's Safe-travel Guide
- Women: What You Need to Know Abroad
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Students with Disabilities Abroad
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?
- 6 ways to Support Study Abroad Students and their Mental Health - Terra Dotta
- A World Awaits You (AWAY) - Mobility International USA
- Access Abroad - University of Minnesota
- American Disabilities Act in Education Abroad - NAFSA International Educator
- Disability Rights and Education Defense Fund
- Disability Travel Resources - Makoa
- DO-IT (Disabilities, Opportunities, Internetworking, and Technology) Center - University of Washington
- European Agency for Special Needs and Inclusion Education
- Facing Disabilities Abroad: A Few Steps - IFSA Butler
- Information for Disability Inclusion in International Contexts - Global Access Files
- Knowing What Disability Questions to Ask: Sample Accommodations Forms - Mobility International USA
- Mobility International's Podcast - an insightful look into study abroad with a disability - Mobility International
- Step-by-Step Guide to Traveling With a Disability - Etias
- Resource Library - Mobility International USA
Governmental Resources
- Human Rights Reports - US Department of State
- Traveling with Disabilities - U.S. Department of State
- Traveling with a Disability - Centers of Disease Control and Prevention
- Traveling Abroad With Medicine with a Disability - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Medication
- Country Regulations for Travelers Carrying Medicines Containing Controlled Substances - International Narcotics Control Board
Financial Aid
Wheelchair Access
- Google Maps Navigation for Individuals who Use Wheelchairs - Google
- Guide to the World's Wheelchair Accessible Destinations - Wheelchair Travel
- Sharing the World from a Wheelchair User's Perspective - Curb Free with Cory Lee
Mental Health
Traveling with Pets/Service Animals
- APHIS Pet Travel – U.S. Department of Agriculture
- Policies for Entering a Foreign Country and Returning to the U.S. - U.S. Department of Agriculture Travel
- Traveling with Assistance Animals - University of Chicago
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Religious Diversity Abroad
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:
Adapted from University of Wisconsin-Madison and NAFSA Resources
- BBC World Religions - BBC
- Pluralism Project - Harvard University
- U.S. Department of State Religious Freedom Information
- "People and Society" Sections - CIA World Factbook
- Religious Diversity for Study Abroad - Diversity Abroad
- Faith Development While Abroad Amongst African American Students
Muslim Students Abroad
- Halal Travel - Halal Trip
- Resources for Muslim Students - Have Halal Will Travel
- Guide to Finding Mosques and Islamic Institutions - Salatomatic
- Federation of Student Islamic Societies
- IslamiCity - source of Islamic information and large e-Muslim community
- IslamicFinder - resources for navigating daily life
Buddhist Students Abroad
- Guide to Finding a Buddhist Center or Organization - World Buddhist Directory
Jewish Students Abroad
- Jewish Community MIG - NAFSA Member Interest Group
- Resources for Students of Jewish Background - Yeah That's Kosher
- Your Jewish Home Abroad - Kahal Abroad
Christian Students Abroad
- Christian SIG – NAFSA Special Interest Group
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Transfer Students Abroad
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
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First Generation Students
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!