Will you be seen and see yourself as an American when you are abroad? Will your ethnic, religious, gender, or sexual identity be more pronounced based on this experience? The answers are different for each student and each experience.

Our identities are formed by our biology, our history, and our culture. Study abroad helps you examine your own identity by allowing you to view yourself through the mirror of other cultures. Each location has unique historical circumstances that impact interactions between cultural groups.

Sometimes students feel isolated as they explore their identity. There can be times when it is difficult to find someone with whom to share the feelings and experiences that are distinctly related to identity. Making friends and connections within the host culture can provide cultural interpreters to help you learn about the culture and historical context that gives rise to stereotypes. However you choose to face these challenges, each one will give you the opportunity to grow and learn.

*Adapted from the University of Minnesota Learning Abroad Center

Women comprise about 65% of U.S. students studying abroad today¹. The host culture dictates how women will be viewed and treated. Some traditional cultures might expect a woman to dress conservative and not work outside the home. Other cultures do not place a high value on gender roles; men and women share housework and raising children. It’s important for students studying abroad to understand how gender roles will impact their time abroad. Be open-minded and learn from local women; how do they dress? How do they act? Adapt to your new surroundings. Also, recognize that in your host country you might be viewed as an “American women” and all of the associated stereotypes that come with from American movies and television.

Things to Consider As You Prepare to Study Abroad:

  • What are the society’s perceptions and expectations for men, women and transgender individuals in my host country? How do they compare or are different from my community?
  • How do men and women publicly express gender (clothing, appearance, language, etc)? How may I have to adjust my own understanding of gender and gender expression to be culturally appropriate and respectful?
  • How do my personal values compare with my host country’s attitudes about socially accepted gender roles?
  • What are the gender stereotypes of Americans in my host country?
  • How do men treat women in my host country?
  • Are there differences in political and social power based on gender?

Resources

Transitions Abroad: Women Studying Abroad

What Should I Wear, Where? Culturally Correct Clothing

Rick Steve’s Graffiti Wall: Women Travelers

Heritage students participate in study abroad to spend time in a country where they are familiar with the culture, religion, or language. Some grew up speaking Japanese in the home and so wish to spend time in Japan. Others practice Islam and seek an experience abroad in a Muslim country. Heritage students are unique in that they are not necessarily seeking out the unknown, but rather a host country where they expect to be accepted.

Things to Consider As You Prepare to Study Abroad:

  • Expect some culture shock even if you do not experience it to the extremes or depths that other students experience.
  • Some heritage students are surprised when they do not blend into the host culture as expected. Anticipate that you might be viewed as “American” first and not whatever other identity you had hoped.
  • On the other hand, you might blend in well. People might ask you for directions in a foreign language you do not speak expecting that you are a local.
  • Understand the history of immigration from the people in your host country to the United States. Why did people leave? What is the perception of those who left?

Resources

Diversity Abroad - Heritage Seekers

You will find that attitudes and tolerance toward gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender issues vary from country to country, and even within the US. Some countries are more welcoming and legally protective than the US, while others may be less accepting and more restrictive. All students need to be aware of the legal issues related to sexuality in other countries. LGBTQ+ students need information regarding the receptivity and social climate of the host country.

Things to Consider As You Prepare to Study Abroad:

  • What are the cultural attitudes toward sexual orientation and gender identity in my host country? What are the local attitudes and customs in the region of the country where I will be studying?
  • Are there any laws restricting same-sex relationships? What are the laws regarding identity and travel documentation?
  • Are there resources available for people of alternative sexual and gender identities in my host country and institution?
  • How open am I now about my sexual orientation and gender identity? How open am I willing to be when I am studying abroad?
  • Do I only want to go somewhere that is very tolerant and affirming of my identity? Am I open to going to a country that may discriminate against LGBTQ+ individuals?
  • How important is it to me to find other LGBTQ+ students during my study abroad program?
  • Does the country or host institution I’m interested in have resources available for LGBTQIA+ individuals
  • Am I willing to abide by the cultural customs and local attitudes in the host country?
  • Does your right to be LGBTQ+ in the United States conflict with your host country’s religious or cultural values and traditions?

Resources

International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (IGLHRC)

International Lesbian and Gay Association

IES Country Specific Diversity

LGBT Guide to Study Abroad

GlobalGayz

Articles of Interest

What I Learn as an LGBT Studying Abroad

LGBTQ Student Guide to Studying Abroad

Race may or may not be an issue depending on the student and the host country. For some students, this will be the first time being a minority. Others become part of the majority in their host country. Minority or majority, it is important for students to reflect on their own stereotypes and experiences with race. Students should talk with study abroad alumni and read over questionnaires in the International Programs office to learn about racial issues in their host country.

Dealing with race abroad can be a powerful experience that will give students insight and allow them to examine racial issues in the United States.

Things to Consider As You Prepare to Study Abroad:

  • How will you be perceived abroad?
  • How does the history of the country impact how you will be perceived?
  • How will you deal with stereotypes and racism?
  • How will it feel to be a minority? Or in the majority?
  • What resources are available to you in your host country?

Resources:

Diversity Abroad - Racial and Ethnic Minorities

IES Country Specific Diversity Resources

IES Student Blogs on Race and Ethnicity

Top Ten Reasons African Americans Should Study Abroad

The World is in your Hands Student Guide: African Americans Speak Out & Share Their International Experiences.

Reflection of Asian American Students

Changing the Face of Study Abroad

IES Diversity Scholarships

Diversity Abroad Scholarships

It is easy to take for granted the religious freedom we experience in the United States. Other countries may not be as tolerant of other religions or belief systems. Before going abroad, students should learn about the religion(s) in their host countries and its impact on government and society.

Spending time in a country with a religion different than one’s own is a great opportunity for students to learn about different beliefs and religious traditions. This may lead students to question their own beliefs. Many students say they come home with a better understanding of their religion or spirituality and themselves.

Things to Consider As You Prepare to Study Abroad:

  • How will people perceive your religion?
  • Is your religion represented among the host country nationals you may interact with?
  • Is it possible for you to openly observe your religion in your host country? Is your religion legal in your host country? Are there any religious observances that will be difficult or impossible for you to participate in abroad? Is it safe to wear religious symbols and/or clothing?
  • Are there laws regarding religion (e.g., proselytizing Christianity is banned under Chinese law)?
  • Are their places of worship or other community locations for your religion that you can access in your study abroad location?
  • What is the attitude of people in your host country towards other religions in general?
  • How are atheists and agnostics perceived in the host country?
  • What do you know about the religion(s) of your host country and the role it/they play/s?
  • How are religious holidays observed and celebrated? Will you want to participate/is that possible?

Resources

All students, regardless of their ability, face challenges in studying abroad. Students with disabilities find they are more likely to already have coping mechanisms and skills in place to deal with these challenges because they are part of a population that is generally underserved.

It’s important that students let the International Program staff at Puget Sound or their program provider know about their disability early so appropriate accommodations can be made. This also includes learning disabilities, which are often overlooked. Students should spend time researching what resources and organizations are available in their host country to provide support and accommodations.

Things to Consider As You Prepare to Study Abroad:

  • What accommodations do I need? Have a vocalized them to staff at Puget Sound or my program provider?
  • How flexible am I willing to be regarding accommodations?
  • What resources are available in my host country?
  • How does my host country view disabilities?
  • Do I know words in my host country’s language to answer questions about my disability?

Resources:

Mobility International USA

Survival Strategies for Going Abroad: A Guide for People with Disabilities