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Programs Abroad

Diverse Students Abroad

There are several online resources for issues of diversity, multiculturalism and underrepresented groups, such as women, students of color, students with disabilities, and LGBT (lesbian/gay/bisexual & transgendered) students.

Attitudes toward women and underrepresented groups vary greatly among cultures. Consider that even if you are not in the minority at home, you might be in your host culture. Educating yourself and thinking through the many scenarios you might encounter will better prepare you to deal with life abroad.

Adult Learners & Veterans
Questions for Adult Students to ask themselves when choosing a program:

  • Do I have work, home, and/or family obligations that prevent me from studying abroad for an extended period of time?
  • Will there be other adult students in my program?
  • How old are the other students participating in my program?
  • How do people in my host country view adult students?
  • What skills do I want to gain or improve while I’m abroad?

Some students who are married and/or have children are interested in bringing family members along with them for their study abroad experience. If you are inteteresed you must check with the host institution about the country’s visa policy for accompanying family members who plan to stay with the students for the period of the program.

Veteran’s Post 9/11 GI Bill Study Abroad Factsheet - http://www.gibill.va.gov/documents/factsheets/post_911_study_abroad_fact_sheet.pdf
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LGBT Students
Questions for LGBT Students to ask themselves when choosing a program:

  • What are the laws regarding homosexuality in my host country?
  • Is it safe for me to be out when I’m abroad? Should I come out to my host family?
  • What are the cultural norms for dating and friendship?
  • What kinds of GLBT resources are there in my host country?
  • What is the GLBT population like in my host country? How visible and large is it? How do they dress, behave, etc.?

International Gay, Lesbian, Human Rights Commission - http://www.iglhrc.org/cgi-bin/iowa/home/index.html

International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association - http://ilga.org/

MSU Information for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgendered Students - http://studyabroad.isp.msu.edu/download/glbt.pdf
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Multicultural Students
Questions for Minority Students to ask themselves when choosing a program:

  • How is my ethnic group perceived in my host country? What kind of stereotypes are there?
  • How should I react if I find something to be offensive?
  • Is the person curious or do they have bad intentions?
  • Has my host family housed minority students before? If not, will this be an issue for them?
  • Am I used to being part of the majority at home but will be a minority abroad? Or vice versa?
  • Will there be other minority students in my program?
  • Who will I contact if I do face racial or discriminatory incidents?
  • Does my program have support staff that will understand and help me through any racial or discriminatory incident I may face?

Questions for Students with a Religious Background to ask themselves when choosing a program:

  • What is the dominant religion in my host country?
  • Will I be part of the religious majority or minority abroad?
  • Are there any laws regarding religion? Is there a separation between religion and government?
  • How tolerant is the host country of other religions? What about atheists and agnostics?
  • Is it safe for me to wear religious symbols or clothing?

Questions for Heritage Learners to ask themselves when choosing a program:

  • How will I be perceived in my home country?
  • Will I be accepted in my home country?
  • How should I react if I find something to be offensive?
  • Am I used to being part of the minority at home? How will it be to be a part of the majority abroad?
  • Will there be other heritage students in my program?

Brown University Study on how American students thought they were perceived by their host cultures - http://www.brown.edu/Administration/OIP/pdf_docs/diversity_st_abroad01.pdf

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Students with Disabilities
Questions for Students with a Disability to ask themselves when choosing a program:

  • How are people with my disability viewed abroad?
  • How should I respond if people give me unsolicited help?
  • Am I willing to disclose my disability to others?
  • How accessible are places in my host country?
  • Will my disability prevent me from participating in certain excursions because of inaccessibility?

Mobility International USA - http://www.miusa.org/
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Women Studying Abroad
Questions for Women to ask themselves when choosing a program:

  • Is it safe for me to go out alone? at night? Are there areas or places I should avoid?
  • How are women expected to behave?
  • How do men treat women?
  • What are the cultural norms regarding friendship and dating?
  • Do people in my host country have stereotypes of American women?

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Other Diversity Abroad Resources

Updated 5.18.2012