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Diversity Resources

These resources support diversity and include LGBTQIA, Disabilities as well as Racial and Ethnic issues in education abroad.

LGBTQIA+ Abroad

There are many factors to consider in selecting the most appropriate program to suit your needs and meet your goals. The Office of Education Abroad recognizes that one's identity and sexual orientation may be important factors to consider when exploring program options and preparing for a positive experience abroad. We wish to support you in this endeavor and hope the following resources will provide helpful guidance.

LGBTQIA+ Resources

Race and Ethnicity Abroad

Education abroad offers you the unique and exciting opportunity to learn about and interact with people of different cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives. In most cases, your interaction with locals will be among the most rewarding aspects of your experience abroad.

In some situations, however, your race, ethnicity or other identity anchors may be percieved differently than you are accustomed to in the U.S. You may also encounter different cultural norms related to race and minority status, where racism and other forms of discrimination are performed, viewed, and addressed differently than you are used to. You may find that your racial or ethnic identity is seen in a new way. Understanding how cultural differences can impact perceptions of race, ethnicity, and identity in an international context is an important component of your preparation to embark on an international experience.

As preparation for these potential experiences, we encourage you to chat with your advisers on campus and explore the following resources.

The most common situations students may experience abroad include the following:

  • Being part of the majority ethnicity for the first time
  • Being classified as "American" rather than as the self-identified race/ethnicity
  • Being treated as a curiosity by locals because of appearance, skin color, hair texture and so on
  • Experiencing racism in different forms from the U.S.

There are various factors to consider as you discern which study abroad location is best for you. In addition to academic and co-curricular fit, we encourage you to research your host country and get a sense of belief systems and values to determine if they differ heavily from your own or perhaps are more closely aligned than you previously thought.

Depending on your race and ethnicity, there are social, political and personal considerations you should make while planning your future education abroad endeavor, because your experience abroad will be influenced by your unique identities.

As you consider and prepare for an international experience, use the following questions to guide you in self-reflection. This is not an exhaustive list and you may relate to multiple identities. When reflecting on your race and cultural background and its impact on your study experience, we also encourage you to establish what is important and necessary for you and determine how you would navigate new situations.

  • What is the racial/ethnic make-up of my host country/city/university?
  • How is my racial/ethnic group perceived in my host country? What kind of stereotypes are there?
  • What are the cultural and local attitudes towards people of my nationality, race, and ethnicity in my host country?
  • Is there any local community that shares my heritage—and what are my feelings about having or not having such a community available to me?
  • Are there any conflicts going on within the host country that citizens and visitors of color should be especially aware of? If so, what is the government/police’s role in the conflict?
  • Has my host family housed students of color 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 students of color in my program?
  • How would I react if I find something to be offensive?
  • Who should 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?
  • What expectations do I have of this experience?
  • How can I create my support system while I am abroad? Who are the people I need to have access to while abroad?
  • Research funding opportunities that you may qualify for as a racial/ethnic minority studying abroad – either in the U.S., in your host country, or both.
  • Students with afro-textured hair may require services from stylists or salons that are not easily accessible abroad. Do some research on your host country and don't forget to stock up on your preferred hair products in case they are not available abroad.
  • You may experience a shift in privilege depending on where you travel. You may find that you have access to certain kinds of mobility that are not accessible to some communities abroad. For example, while you may not consider yourself economically privileged at home, you may be considered wealthy by that community's standards because of your ability to travel and pursue a college education in another country.
  • In the U.S., your race/ethnicity may be a defining factor of your identity, but while abroad, you might be perceived as an American first.
  • In contrast, assumptions about what Americans look like may cause others abroad to question the fact that you're an American. They might ask you questions about your nationality and cultural heritage, even after you've already stated that you are an American. Recognize that these questions are a result of a lack of awareness about the racial and ethnic demographics of the U.S. rather than prejudice.
  • When visiting racially/ethnically homogeneous areas, you may encounter curious locals who have never seen people who look like you, and so they might stare at you excessively, take photos of you, or even try to touch you/your hair. If it makes you uncomfortable, politely express your discomfort and they will most likely respect your boundaries.
  • Social support in your host country and at home will help you navigate a new culture that will likely include new racial/ethnic relations. Know whom to contact when you feel like your race or ethnic background are discriminated against while abroad.
  • Having a support system of family, friends, and/or romantic partners may also help you deal with feelings of isolation and culture shock.
  • Knowing the social and historical situation in your host country can help you prepare for the transition from the U.S. and back. This helps you be prepared if any incidents arise, however don’t expect prejudice to happen.

Disabilities Abroad

Studying abroad is an amazing experience. To truly get the full experience, it is important to know what accommodations will be necessary to make you feel at home in your location. It is also important to be aware that there might be different cultural attitudes towards a disability and different types of accommodations.

For example, ADA guidelines and enforcement are specific to the U.S. Students will want to review the standards for the country or countries they plan to visit while abroad. Understanding your needs and potential situations will help you prepare for your exciting journey and ensure you experience a safe and fun adventure.

Read through the information below for guidance.

Open Doors shares information on the increasing number of students with disabilities who participate in an education abroad experience. The percentage of students going abroad with a disability has rose from 2.6% in 2006/07 to 9.2% in 2017/18.

The CDC website provides the public with information on traveling with a disability is various countries. The CDC websites provides numerous resources for students on information pertaining to accessibility in different areas of the world.

Students can visit Travel.State.Gov for information on each country for travelers who are mobility impaired. This website provides information on laws pertaining to “accessibility for, discrimination against, persons with physical, intellectual, or mental disabilities.”

Transitions Abroad provides students with articles on traveling with a disability, international programs for disability travel, and organizations for disability travel.

MIUSA (Mobility International USA) provides students with articles and best practices for those traveling abroad with accessibility needs, articles and best practices that help those working with students with disabilities including preparations, accommodations, cultural adjustment, inclusive practices, disclosure and advocacy, housing and bathrooms, etc., assessable travel guide recommendations, a scholarship list, and community and stories from students.

The Diversity Abroad mission is, “to create equitable access to the benefits of global education by empowering educators, engaging stakeholders, and connecting diverse students to resources and opportunity.” The website includes articles, resources, scholarships and more.

The UNCW Disability Resource Center (DRC) and UNCW Counseling Center are wonderful resources here on campus for UNCW students. We encourage you to work alongside the DRC and Counseling Center to discuss concerns or questions as you prepare for your experience.

Contact Information

Education Abroad

Phone: (910) 962-3685

studyabroad@uncw.edu

Hoggard Hall 149

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