Race & Ethnicity Abroad
Navigating Race and Ethnicity Abroad
Studying abroad can offer you the opportunity to think about your identity in a new way. Racial and ethnic relations vary by culture, meaning that while you are abroad you may be part of an ethnic majority or minority for the first time in your life. Studying abroad could present an amazing opportunity to connect with and learn about your ancestral history and culture first-hand.
On the other hand, students of different ethnic and racial backgrounds may have a challenging transition from life in your community to life as a student in a different culture. People may categorize and interpret your race, ethnicity, and other identity attributes quite differently than what you are used to. There is the possibility that you may encounter Microaggressions or overt discrimination. You also may not be able to find culturally specific products you are used to, like beauty or haircare.
Students may encounter a broad range of attitudes regarding diversity that may result in stares, comments, or blatant prejudice by the host population. There may be people who will be eager to touch your hair or skin. Often people in your host country will be curious, and some may ask questions about your cultural heritage that feel insensitive. Keep in mind that people in other countries have different cultural norms and are often blunter and less “politically correct” compared to the United States.
But do not feel pressured to mask your identity. You may find that confronting and coping with your adjustment abroad can be a positive growth experience, even if challenging at times. Also be sure to constantly stay in touch with your support systems: family, friends, and even your International Coordinator!
You can prepare yourself for the situations you may encounter by researching the minority and majority racial/ethnic composition of your host country and exploring its history of racial and ethnic relations.
Preparing To Go Abroad
Studying abroad is a chance to explore new cultures while reflecting on your own identity in a global context. This section offers guidance to help you prepare for the unique opportunities and challenges you might encounter, ensuring a thoughtful and enriching experience.
Things to Think About
- What are the cultural norms of my host country?
- How will I be perceived in my host community?
- Will there be other students of color in my program?
- What is the relationship between my host country and the United States?
- What does it mean to be perceived as an American in a foreign country?
- How is my ethnic group perceived in my host country? What kind of stereotypes are there?
- What types of experiences do students of color typically have on the programs (or in the country) I am considering?
- Will I experience discrimination in my host country? Is there a history of a particular type of discrimination students like me have faced? Whom will I contact if I do face racial or discriminatory incidents? Please note if you experience discrimination, please fill out this form for support: Emergency Response Form > Office of International Education.
- I will be studying in the country my parents are from, but I have never been there before, and I do not speak the language.
- How can I explain to my family that a study abroad experience can contribute to the achievement of my academic and career goals?
Your Support Networks
We encourage you to carefully select the program that will best fit your needs. IAP (International Academic Programs) offers programs with varying levels of support on-site. Programs range from those for very independent students who want to study directly in another university to those for strictly MU students who need or want lots of support, with a multitude of options falling in between. Talk with your Study Abroad Advisor about the level of support you would like on a program, and they can help you select the right program for you. Build a support network with other study abroad students on your program, so that if you do experience discrimination you will have support to deal with it.
Leaving your friends and family at home to go to another country can be a daunting decision. Some students are hesitant to study abroad because of family responsibilities or commitments to friends and family. As you are deciding to study abroad, be sure to include your family and friends. Get them excited about your program too. IAP has resources for parents as well that we are happy to share with you.
Tips to keep in mind
- Look at international news sources to get a sense of current political and societal issues in your host country.
- If you experience difficulties, do not be afraid to contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. They are available 24/7 at every embassy to provide emergency assistance to Americans.
Resources
- Tips for Heritage Seekers Traveling Abroad | BeGlobalii
- Breaking Barries: The Vital Role of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in Study Abroad Experiences | BeGlobalii
- Project for Learning Abroad, Training and Outreach (PLATO) - resources and scholarship opportunities meant to encourage and support study abroad among minority students
American Indian/Native American/Indigenous/First Nation and Alaskan Native Students
- Native American Students Abroad - A resource page from the State University of New York
- Native Land - An interactive map to know what indigenous land you are on anywhere in the world. For example, when we are in Milwaukee, we are on traditional Potawatomi, Ho-Chunk and Menominee land.
- Reasons To Study Abroad For Native American Students - AllAbroad.us article
- What About Discrimination For Native American Student- AllAbroad.us article
- Being Indigenous and Pursuing Study Abroad - The NAU Review article
- American Indian Experience Abroad - A YouTube video from the University of Minnesota's Learning Abroad Center
- University of Wisconsin-Madison Study Abroad - Indigenous- University of Wisconsin-Madison's study abroad resource
Asian-American/Pacific Islander/Native Hawaiian Students
- Asian American/Pacific Islander Students Abroad - A resource page from the State University of New York
- 10 Reasons for Asian/Pacific Islander Students To Study Abroad – PLATO article
- What About Discrimination For Asian/ Pacific Islander Students - AllAbroad.us article
Black and African-American Students
- STAMPED - A podcast on Anchor and Spotify of Black Students' experiences abroad, how they overcame fears, and explored their identity abroad.
- Top 10 Reasons for African American Students to Go Abroad - some things to consider from Transitions Abroad
- Travelling with Natural Hair - An IES panel from Black Individual's hair-care journeys while abroad, and a list of tips for managing this.
- Being Black in an African Country - An article by an Arizona State University student on her experience in Morocco, sharing how she turned a harsh reality into a positive experience
LatinX and Hispanic Students
- 7 Study Abroad Scholarships for Hispanic Students - GoAbroad Article
- My Study Abroad Experience as a First-Generation Mexican-American - Article by ISA Today
Scholarships
Check out our Study Abroad Scholarships website for specific scholarships dedicated to increasing access for all students of all backgrounds and identities.