Identity Abroad
What you will encounter abroad may not always be the same welcoming community that Wellesley offers. Different cultures are going to have different levels of sensitivity, but that does not mean you need to change anything about yourself to go abroad. Students who are a minority student in their host country sometimes receive additional attention, which may or may not be discrimination. You can talk with your host family and program to discuss issues that may arise while you are abroad and brainstorm solutions that both respect the host culture and your own identity. The following tips and resources may also help you prepare for your time abroad. Please note that all Wellesley students have access to the member-only resources on DiversityAbroad.org! We suggest looking at their online pre-departure module about identity. Please contact OIS if you have questions about accessing these resources:
Research Host Country Conditions
What types of laws are in place? What is the political climate? Learn as much as you can about the culture, religion, living and health conditions before you go so you know more of what to expect.
- Check out Diversity Abroad's Destination Guides. These guides include advice for specific identity groups, information about destination-specific funding opportunities, health and safety tips, and more.
- IES Abroad's Country-Specific Resources include information such as dietary concerns, resources for racial and ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+ and religious identities, and disability and mental health support.
- Read Brown University's survey of students' experiences with their identity in various locations around the world.
Read About Study Abroad Programs
This spreadsheet shows reviews by Wellesley students over the last 8 years that highlight diversity and LGBTQ+ standards abroad.
For Racial and Ethnic Minority Students
-
Diversity Abroad's guide for Racially and Ethnically Diverse Students
- Center for Global Education: provides websites geared toward helping underrepresented or underprivileged groups
- AllAbroad: resources from different organizations dedicated to increasing participation of minority students
- "Being Me Abroad" video
African-American/Black Students
- Study Abroad Guide for Wellesley Students of African Descent
- Adriana Smith's book, Study Abroad for Black Women
- Travel Noire: travel tools, resources, and stories from black travelers
- "Black in Beijing" perspective piece from CET Abroad
Latinx Students
- All Abroad: Reasons to Study Abroad for Hispanic/Latin@ Students
- All Abroad: What About Discrimination for Hispanic/Latin@ Students
- IES Blog - The Truth Revealed: 9 Misconceptions about Latinx Students & Study Abroad Debunked
- University of Wisconsin - Madison: Study abroad resources for Latinx students
Asian/Asian-American Students
- University of Wisconsin - Madison: Study abroad resources for Asian students
- IES Abroad Blog: Asian in America, American in Asia
- PLATO Project: 10 Reasons for Asian/Pacific Islander Students to Study Abroad
Native American Students
- All Abroad: Reasons to Study Abroad for Native American Students
- All Abroad: What about Discrimination for Native American Students
- University of Wisconsin - Madison: Study abroad resource for indigenous students
- CIS Abroad: Increasing Access for Indigenous Students in Internatinal Ed
For First-Generation Students
- I'm First: blogs from first-gens about their study abroad experiences
- University of California Santa Cruz advice for first-gen students
- Article by Purdue University, "First Time Travelers"
- Diversity Abroad's guide for First Generation College Students
For LGBTQ+ Students
- University of Wisconsin - Madison: LGBTQ+ Students
- GlobalGayz: an online journal documenting the travels of LGBT individuals around the world
- International LGBTQ+ Association
- GoAbroad
- Our list of regional and program-based resources
- Equaldex
- US Department of State: safe travel tips for LGBT people
- StudyAbroad: what to expect as an LGBT study abroad student
- Ithaca College's Brochure: things to consider before going abroad
For Students with Disabilities
- Abroad with Disabilities: join their discussion groups, forums, and webinars to learn about the study abroad experiences of students with disabilities
- Mobility International USA
- An article by The Seattle Globalist with things to keep in mind when choosing location
- Diversity Abroad's guide for Students with Disabilities
- Studee's Ultimate Guide to Studying Abroad with a Disability
- US State Department Travelers with Disabilities
Wellesley-specific resources:
- Transcript of Recent OIS Studying Abroad with a Disability Panel
- Accessibility of Study Abroad Programs (created by Student Ambassador Lidewij Florusbosch '24)
- Contact Information for Accessibility of Study Abroad Programs
- Studying Abroad with a Disability Guide
- Advice & Guidance on Studying Abroad with a Disability (blog post written by Lidewij Florusbosch '24 for the Student Access Advocates)
For Economically Disadvantaged Students
- DiversityAbroad article, "8 Study Abroad Scholarships That Every Student Should Know About"
- IES Abroad's tips from correspondents: Budgeting While Abroad
- Review our list of study abroad scholarships. We would like to highlight the Fund for Education Abroad and Benjamin A. Gilman scholarships.
- Diversity Abroad's guide for students on a budget
Religious Diversity Abroad
- Diversity Abroad's guide for Religious Identity
- Islamic Finder: prayer times, Islamic organizations, and mosques worldwide
- All Hindu Temples: Hindu temples in more than 50 countries
- International churches: churches worldwide
- World Buddhist Directory: Buddhist centers worldwide
- KAHAL - Your Jewish Home Abroad: resources for students looking to be connected with Jewish communities around the world. In more than 55 countries, KAHAL also offers experiences and up to $250 microgrants for:
- Jewish heritage tours
- Holocaust education (Anne Frank House, visiting Poland)
- Jewish holidays and events
- DIY Jewish experiences
Health and Safety Tips
- Yale's page on Sexual Harassment or Assault Abroad
- Hamilton's page on Health and Safety Abroad
- DiversityAbroad's tips on Managing Mental Health While Abroad
- An IFSA student's blog about Mental Health Issues Abroad
- IES Abroad's Dietary Resources page
Further Resources
- Your Passport to Social Identity Abroad, by IES Abroad
- Diversity Abroad article "Dealing with Stereotypes While Studying Abroad"
- Institute for Study Abroad's "Unpacked: A Study Abroad Guided for Students Like Me," with student perspectives on diversity and identity abroad
- 3 Steps to Take Before You Talk to Your Parents About Studying Abroad
- CET's Diversity and Inclusion page
- TEAN's Student Identity and Support page
- Diversity Abroad's guide for Women going abroad
- Diversity Abroad's guide for International Students
- Go Oversea's guide for studying abroad as a College Athlete
- IES Abroad's Intercultural Competency Reading and Podcast lists