Race/Ethnicity & Study Abroad

" Studying abroad was about embarking on my own adventure, learning who I was by finding out which part of me stayed true in a different setting, and meeting students from across the nation and world. " -- Denmark, Spring 2008

One of the most fulfilling aspects of study abroad is the opportunity to discover another culture and thanks to that process, to understand oneself better. In order to have a successful and safe experience, it is important to be aware of the cultural differences regarding race and ethnicity.

Begin researching now by looking at the resources below, meeting with a study abroad advisor, talking with international students and program alumni on campus, and continue while you are abroad by talking with your new friends, host family, conversation partner, teacher, etc.

Useful Sites to Begin Your Exploration

• AllAbroad.us: a website advocating for increased participation and diversity in study abroad. There are sections for students, parents and faculty/staff. It also includes a "Mentor" section with video clips of mentors who have answered questions about studying abroad as well as an extensive listing of scholarship opportunities.
• Bardoli Global: an organization "dedicated to empowering historically underserved student leaders of color to embark on life-changing international exchange and study abroad programs" through scholarships and support services.
• Brown University's Diversity Issues in Study Abroad Handbook : a collection of student quotes addressing diversity issues including ethnicity, heritage, sexual orientation, religion, minority/majority issues, physical appearance and language.
• CU-Boulder's Center for Multicultural Affairs: comprehensive services and innovative programs that support and advance the intellectual, personal, cultural, and social development of diverse students.
• CU-Boulder's Diversity Resources: a list of links to academic resources, academic support programs, support services and centers, campus departments and student organizations from CU-Boulder' s Office of Diversity & Equity.
• CU-Boulder International Student Organizations: a list of local with contact information; international students usually enjoy discussing their home culture and they can provide great insight into the differences between their culture and American culture.
• CU-Boulder's International Women's Alliance: a student group that organizes around various global issues affecting women, and especially issues affecting women of color.
• CU-Boulder Program Specific Handbooks: look for country specific information in these orientation materials students receive upon acceptance on a study abroad program.
• DiversityAbroad.Com: a website dedicated to helping students of color study abroad; includes advice, scholarship information, student testimonials, and more.
• DiversityAbroad Financial Info: outlines financial aid/scholarship/grant resources for traditionally under-represented minority students in study abroad, as well as personal fundraising tips.
• DiversityAbroad Tips for Minority Students: insight on identity and multiculturalism in study abroad.
• Exploring Your Cultural Identity: read the chapter in CU-Boulder's Guide to Living Abroad on the impact of the multicultural experience and on one's own cultural identity; includes a great reading list.
• Hispanic College Fund: Various scholarships available.
  
• Institute for International Public Policy Fellowship Program (IIPP): a program from the United Negro College Fund Special Programs Corporation which provides students from underrepresented minority groups with education and training experiences critical to entry and advancement in international affairs careers.
• PLATO: Project for Learning Abroad, Training & Outreach: a project addressing some of the issues and challenges ethnicity may play in the study abroad experience for underrepresented students, and linking to additional information, resources, and scholarships; this site includes the top 10 reasons for students from African-American, Hispanic-American, Native American, and Asian/Pacific Islander Backgrounds to study abroad.
• Study Abroad in Turkey African-American Scholarship: up to 50 grants per year in the amount of $2,000 for full-time African-American undergraduates who have been accepted to a study abroad program in Turkey for a semester or a year; awarded by the Turkish Coalition of America (TCA) in cooperation with DiversityAbroad.com.
• Top 10 Reasons for African American Students to Go Abroad Advice for African American students on studying abroad.
• Scholarships for Students of Color, International Studies & Programs, Michigan State University: a comprehensive list of scholarships available to students of color considering study abroad.
• University of Minnesota's Learning Abroad Center: Links to brochures, scholarships, and other informational websites for multicultural students studying abroad.
• University of Pittsburgh's Access International Education: Informational resources compiled by the University of Pittsburgh to further the accessibility of international education for underrepresented students.

Useful Books & Articles

• Go Girl! The Black Woman's Book of Travel and Adventure, Elaine Lee - Eighth Mountain Press, 1997.

• What's the Subject of Study Abroad? Race, Gender and Living Culture, M. Stewart & S. Talburt - Modern Language Journal 82 (2), 1999.

Acknowledgments
We gratefully acknowledge PennState, whose materials we refer to on this site.