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Study Abroad

Student Identities Abroad

Immersing yourself in new cultures through study abroad is an exciting experience but it's natural to have concerns about how your identy(ies) will be accepted in a foreign environment. Explore the information within this page to learn more about the resources available to support your identity(ies) and study abroad experience. 

Student Identity Resources:

Race & Ethnicity

You may ask yourself: 
  • I'm the racial or ethnic majority in America, but will I be a racial or ethnic minority abroad? Or vice versa?

  • What are the attitudes of the natives in my host country about my race or ethnicity? Am I likely to be a target of racism or classism? Or will I be treated the same way in my host country as I am in the United States?

  • What is the history of race and ethnicity in my host country? What are the laws and social values regarding race and ethnicity?

Resources:

LGBTQ+

You may ask yourself:

  • If the country I am studying abroad in does not accept my identity, how will this impact my overall experience abroad and my self-identity

  • What are the laws and legal rights surrounding my identity? What are the social expectations or norms?

  • Does the housing the program provides suit my needs? If living with a host family will I choose to come out to them before I arrive or feel out the situation first?

  • If I utilize health or counseling services at home will I have access to these resources abroad?

  • If your legal sex is different than the way you self identify, or if you are in the process of a transition, what kinds of things might you need to be successful abroad? What types of challenges might you face with travel, immigration, and other documents?

Resources:

First Generation

You may ask yourself: 
  • Are there stereotypes in your host country about the different aspects of your identity?
  • What other intersections of your identity may take the foreground if your first-generation status is not recognized in your host country (race, citizenship, first language, gender, sexuality, religion, etc.)?
  • How can I explain to my family that a study abroad experience can contribute to the achievement of my academic and career goals?
  • Since no one in my family has ever studied abroad, who can help me answer their questions as I plan my experience?
Resources:

Religion & Spirituality

You may ask yourself:
  • Do I plan to practice my religion abroad?
  • How much do I know about the belief system in my host country?
  • Do I share a the dominant religion of my host country? If so what does that mean for my experience and if not, what do I need to be mindful of?
  • What is the attitude of my host country towards other religions?
  • Are there specific laws regarding religion in my host country? Are government and religion separated?
  • Will I have access to my religion’s place of worship or religious groups? If not what does that mean for my religious practice?
  • Will my host country be able to accommodate my religious dietary restrictions?
Resources: 

Physical or Learning Disabilities

You may ask yourself: 

  • How will my university and host country accommodate my needs?

  • Have you contacted Goucher’s study abroad office to make sure your program can help you be successful? Did you talk to ACE?

  • How does my host country treat people who are living with disabilities? What rights and laws are in place to accommodate those living with disabilities?

  • What might I need to stay safe and to help me as I travel abroad?

Resources:

For questions or feedback contact the McQuade Library
Call us: 978-837-5177 | Text us:  978-228-2275 | Email us: mcquade@merrimack.edu