Identities are intersectional and you will soon incorporate “study abroad alum” as one more aspect of your identity. As you begin your journey, it is possible that you will be seen and understood by individuals from your host country in a completely new context. This can differ from how you perceive yourself or how you are perceived on the UMBC campus, in Maryland, in your hometown, or elsewhere in the United States. Regardless of your background, here are some tips for students studying abroad.
- Remember people abroad have different cultural norms
- Integrating with the culture will help you stand out less, but physical features (hair color/texture, skin color, etc.) may still attract attention.
- Research your host country
- Be aware that people may generalize
- Build a network of those around you and other students who are abroad
The following resources are starting points for questions you may want to research about your study abroad location before applying to a program and certainly before you depart.
LGBTQIA+ Individuals
- Department of State: LGBTQI+ Travel Information
- National Center for Transgender Equality: A blog with travel-specific topics & explanation of rights at airport security in the U.S.
- Equaldex: A map that indicates the currents rights of LGBTQ+ individuals for various countries
- LGBT Study Abroad Guide: A collection of information for LGBTQ+ travelers by GoAbroad.com
- Human Rights Watch World Report Country Profiles: Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity
- The Different Experiences of LGBT+ Abroad: A blog post from the study abroad provider ISA
- A Roadmap for The Queer Study Abroad Experience: An article from DiversityAbroad.com
- US Department of State: Selecting your Gender Marker: A guide on how to select the gender marker on the passport
Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) Individuals
- Orientation for People of Color Studying Abroad: A video from the University of Minnesota
- Tips for Being BIPOC Abroad: A blog post from GoOverseas.com
- Traveling with Natural Hair: An article from the study abroad provider IES
- 9 Truths for Black Students Traveling Abroad: An article from GoAbroad.com for Black & African American students who plan to study abroad
- Black & Abroad: A website with various blogs and resources for Black & African American students who plan to study abroad
- Travel Noire: A website with comprehensive information and resources for Black & African American students who plan to travel abroad
- A Latina’s Study Abroad Journey: An article from the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA)
- Traveling While Latino: An article from The Atlantic
- Latinas who Travel: A website that provides advice and firsthand experience articles about being Latina while abroad
- AAPI Abroad: A video from a student panel presentation at the University of California, Berkely
- As an Asian American Abroad: An article from Medium
- Meaningful Travel Tips and Tales from Asian American Travelers’ Perspectives: A comprehensive guide from GoAbroad.com for Asian American students planning to study abroad
- Meaningful Travel Tips and Tales from Arab-American Travelers’ Perspectives: A comprehensive guide from GoAbroad.com for Arab-American students planning to study abroad
- Recommended Programs for Native and Indigenous-Heritage Seeking Students: A comprehensive guide from isepstudyabroad.org
First Generation College Students
- Interviews with First Generation College Students Abroad: An article from the Institute for Study Abroad
- First Generation Students Traveling Abroad: An article from DiversityAbroad.com
- Educational Travel for First Generation Students: A research article from researchers at Ohio Wesleyan University
- Ask a First Generation Student – Diversity and Study Abroad: An article from Know Without Borders
Religion Abroad
- International Religious Freedom Report: A report conducted by the U.S. Department of State
- Reflections on Studying Abroad as a Muslim Woman: An article from DiversityAbroad.com
- Have Halal Will Travel: A website discussing various Halal foods around the world
- What Remains – Discovering the Traces of Jewish Life in Morocco: An article from study abroad provider IES
- My Roman Holiday: An article from study abroad provider IES detailing the experience of being Jewish in Rome, Italy
- 7 Things to Know Before Studying Abroad as a Jewish Student: An article from GoAbroad.com
- Tips and Challenges for Keeping Kosher while Traveling: An article providing advice on finding Kosher food while abroad
Military Affiliated Students
- US Department of Veteran Affairs- Foreign Schools: A guide on how to use VA benefits to study in a foreign school
- Project Go: A guide for funded opportunities in critical language education, overseas study, and cross-cultural experiences open to all qualified ROTC students
- Gilman McCain scholarship: A guide for The John S. McCain International Scholarship for Military Families
Women
- US Department of State: Information for Women travelers: A guide with general tips for women before traveling abroad
- Safety Tips for Solo Women Travelers: An article from transitionabroad.com
- Women Stories: Wanderlust and Lipstick: A blog with travel tips and tour information for women travelers
Adult Learners/Non-Traditional Students
- Must Ask Questions for Adult students Traveling Abroad: An article from DiversityAbroad.com
- No age Limits for Learning: An article from transitionabroad.com about the study abroad experience of an adult student
- Study Abroad for Adults- Yes, It’s a Real Thing: An article from GoAbroad.com about the benefits and popular ways to study abroad for adults
- Study Abroad as an Adult: Practical Idea or Frivolous Dream? An article from blog.exchangemom.com with information about programs to study abroad as an adult
- Staying Safe While Traveling Abroad With Your Family: An article from transitionabroad.com
- Traveling With Children- The Why’s and How-To’s: An article from transitionabroad.com with reasons and tips for traveling with children
Athletes
- How to Study Abroad as a Student Athlete: An article from ifsa-butler.org with tips from a college volleyball player when studying abroad in Australia
- Common Myths About Studying Abroad as a Student Athlete: An article from GoAbroad.com
Heritage Seekers
- Heritage travel: What it is & How it Can Benefit You: An article from GoAbroad.com
- Tips for Heritage Seekers: Traveling abroad: An article from DiversityAbroad.com
- Exploring my Mexican Identity in Mexico: An article from ifsa-butler.org
- What the Food in Buenos Aires Taught Me About My Latina Identity: An article from ifsa-butler.org
- Going Home to China: An article from ifsa-butler.org
- Seeking your roots: An article by UTNews about students who look to connect with a familiar country or culture
First-Time Travelers
- 10 Useful International Travel Tips for First-Time Travelers: An article from GoOverseas.com with tips for first-time overseas students
- First Time Traveling Abroad: Travelers Share Their Stories Collection of stories from trailingpages.com
- Frequently Asked Questions From First-Time Travelers and Their Parents: An article from rusticpathways.com
Plus-Size Travelers
- Being a Plus Size Individual in Spain: An article from fundforeducationabroad.org
- Traveling to Europe As a Plus-Size Woman: An article from efultimatebreak.com
- Packing Plus Size: An article by ceastudyabroad.com
International Students
- Can International Students in the US Study Abroad?: A guide by Homeland Security- Study in the States
- Can I Study Abroad While Abroad? An article from studyusa.com sharing the experience of an International student in different abroad programs
- Considering Studying Abroad While an International Student: a piece of news about the benefits of studying abroad for International students