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Race and Ethnicity

Studying away provides an opportunity to explore how race, ethnicity, and other identities are understood in a different cultural context. You may be perceived differently than you are in the United States—for example, people may identify you first by your nationality rather than your race or ethnicity, or you may find yourself in the racial or ethnic minority for the first time. Because identities intersect in different ways, every student’s experience is unique. Your experience will be shaped by the intersection of your identities, local cultural norms, and the history and social climate of your host country.

While these experiences can be rewarding and broaden your perspective, you may also encounter bias, discrimination, stereotypes, or unfamiliar questions about your appearance, background, or identity. Before you depart, research your host country’s history of race and ethnicity, social climate, and local attitudes. The resources below are a great place to start, and talking with study away returnees can also help you prepare.

Finally, if you experience discrimination while abroad, it’s important to consider how you might react, and know who to contact for help and support. Your CSA advisor can help you prepare before departure and connect you with resources before, during, and after your program. We encourage you to discuss any questions or concerns about your identities and how they may shape your experience while studying away.

  • Questions to Ask—Selecting a Program

    • What are the ethnic and racial (among others) identities that characterize you?
    • Based on your identity factors such as race and ethnicity, how do you imagine you will be perceived in your host community? What types of stereotypes or assumptions might you encounter?
    • What is the historical context of racism or ethnic tension in the host country?
    • Have locals likely seen many other people of your race or ethnicity in that country
    • Where do people of your race/ethnicity fit into the host country’s society? Are you likely to be a target of racism? Might you be treated the same way as you are in the United States?
    • Are issues of racism or discrimination influenced by immigration in the host country? How do politicized immigration concerns fuel racial tensions? What is the context of immigrant communities?
    • What are the cultural norms of the host country, and how might those norms affect you?
    • Are there laws in the host country governing race relations? Ethnic relations? What protections are offered to ethnic or racial minorities?
    • How many students of color, or students from your same racial or ethnic group, typically study on the programs you are considering? Would you be comfortable if there aren’t many or any students who share your racial or ethnic identity on your study away program? How would you deal with that situation?
    • Some programs offer scholarships for students from underrepresented groups in study away, including students of color. If the cost of study away is a factor for you, does your program offer scholarships that you might be eligible for based on your racial or ethnic identity?
  • Questions to Ask—Selecting a Program

    • What are the ethnic and racial (among others) identities that characterize you?
    • Based on your identity factors such as race and ethnicity, how do you imagine you will be perceived in your host community? What types of stereotypes or assumptions might you encounter?
    • What is the historical context of racism or ethnic tension in the host country?
    • Have locals likely seen many other people of your race or ethnicity in that country?
    • Where do people of your race/ethnicity fit into the host country’s society? Are you likely to be a target of racism? Might you be treated the same way as you are in the United States?
    • Are issues of racism or discrimination influenced by immigration in the host country? How do politicized immigration concerns fuel racial tensions? What is the context of immigrant communities?
    • What are the cultural norms of the host country, and how might those norms affect you?
    • Are there laws in the host country governing race relations? Ethnic relations? What protections are offered to ethnic or racial minorities?
    • How many students of color, or students from your same racial or ethnic group, typically study on the programs you are considering? Would you be comfortable if there aren’t many or any students who share your racial or ethnic identity on your study away program? How would you deal with that situation?
    • Some programs offer scholarships for students from underrepresented groups in study away, including students of color. If the cost of study away is a factor for you, does your program offer scholarships that you might be eligible for based on your racial or ethnic identity?
  • Questions to Ask—Preparing for Departure

    • Will you be part of a majority or minority racial or ethnic group abroad? How might your national (U.S. or other) identity come into play?

    • If you are studying in a country where your family is from, have you been there before? Do you speak the language? How will your background and knowledge impact your experience in that country?

    • How might you react if you find something to be offensive? What if you are the target of curiosity, prejudice, discrimination, or racism?

    • What social supports are available in your host community or through your program? Are there organizations, events, or neighborhoods that relate to your race or ethnicity?

    • Who can you contact if you experience discrimination while abroad?

Resources about Race and Ethnicity and Study Away

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