It is important to consider your race and ethnicity when studying abroad and how these aspects of your identity might be perceived differently in other cultures. Race and ethnicity can take on new meaning when studying abroad, and cultural perceptions of ethnicity and race may vary significantly around the world. Understanding how your host culture embraces ethnicity, and how your racial or ethnic identity might shape your experience, will be helpful to reflect upon before you study abroad.
Oftentimes, American students might be seen for their “American” identity before any other ethnic identities are considered. Even if you are an international student, you may be seen as an American while abroad. We invite every student to review the resources below to reflect on and research how their study abroad experience may be influenced by their race and ethnicity. Please reach out to our office if you have any specific concerns you’d like to discuss.
The following reflection questions may be helpful to consider:
- How do I decide which location will be best for me?
- Will there be other students of color in my program?
- How does my host culture define race and ethnicity in their country?
- What are some common perceptions and stereotypes about my race or ethnicity in my host country?
- Is there a history of racial or ethnic tension in my host country? Is the issue of immigration a source of racial or ethnic tension currently?
- How might my perception of my racial or ethnic identity shape my experience abroad?
- Will I be a part of a minority abroad, even if I am part of the majority at home or on campus? How will this impact my experience?
- How should I react if I am in an uncomfortable situation?
- Could I experience discrimination in my host country based on the color of my skin? What resources will I have while on-site regarding discrimination?
Race & Ethnicity General Resources
When preparing for an international experience, we encourage you to learn about cultural differences in your host country and to reflect on how your own identity may translate abroad. Our office is here to support you throughout this process, and we recommend reviewing the resources below to get started:
- Ambassador Program: Ask our Study Abroad Ambassadors about their experiences abroad.
- Check the BU Terrier Central Organizations website for more ethnic-specific student groups. If you attend a different University, we encourage you to reach out to the student groups on your campus.
- Boston University Howard Thurman Center for Common Ground: A Boston University community space that provides programs, events, and experiences that “fosters critical thought, encourages new connections, and provokes conversation on the issues of the day.”
- AllAbroad – Helping All Students Study Abroad: Find links to resources that support academic achievement for underrepresented students.
- Diversity Abroad – Culture & Diversity Destination Guides: Guides with information about cities, health, diversity, and scholarships in countries around the world.
- Harvard Kennedy School – 3 Things You Should Know About Global Colorism: A brief video that discusses how the salience accorded to skin color varies depending upon geographical location and social context around the world.