Center for Global Education and Experience

Identity and Diversity

As you explore your study abroad options, you'll want to consider aspects of your identity and how these may be perceived and treated in the cultures you'll be spending time in. We encourage you to do some research into social norms, cultural mores, and local practices before your program begins. You'll want to participate as much as possible in the host culture and should be prepared for the experience, which can be both personally challenging and rewarding.

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CGEE Student Stories

Former students on CGEE semester programs share their own experiences navigating their identities abroad on video interviews and in short articles published by The Global Impact Exchange. 

Additional Resources:

Accessibility

Learn more about disability/accessibility considerations and travel outside the U.S.

First-Generation Students

Find out more about how the study abroad process works, and how study abroad can enhance your goals for college and beyond.

Gender Expression Abroad

Find out about common stereotypes and different standards for socially acceptable behaviors and gender roles in different parts of the world that could affect you. Find strategies for staying safe and comfortable abroad.

LGBTQIA+

Find ways to prepare yourself for a different culture and its ideas about gender and sexual identity.

Race and Ethnicity

It’s important to reflect on how your racial or ethnic identity will be perceived abroad, as well as to gain an understanding of any ethnic or racial conflicts that exist in your host culture. Find information about racial and ethnic considerations abroad.

Faith Communities

It's important to research and understand how your religious or spiritual beliefs will be perceived abroad, as well as to gain an understanding of the religious and spiritual belief of your host country.

Students with High Financial Need

Students with varying levels of financial need can and do study abroad. Find ways to balance your goals for studying abroad with your financial situation.

Mental Health Abroad

Students who have experienced mental health concerns can have healthy and rewarding experiences while studying abroad, but it is important to plan in advance for support resources.

 

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We Want Your Feedback

We recognize that you came to this website looking for information and resources. If there is something specific you were looking for but didn’t find, please let us know using the feedback form link below. We are continually adding new resources to all of our identity and diversity pages and welcome additions that you have found helpful that are not already linked here.
 
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Thank you to the many study abroad offices in U.S. higher education that provided inspiration for our work in this area, especially Temple University.