My Identity Abroad
In an effort to increase access to study abroad for all Seattle Pacific University students and to better prepare students for their experience overseas, the Study Abroad office recommends students use the compiled lists of external resources to find out more about navigating your identity abroad and consult country-specific diversity resources. Our goal as an office is to help historically underrepresented students fulfill their dream of studying abroad, if you have further questions, please reach out to our office at studyabroad@spu.edu.
Faith and Religion
- What are the dominant denominations or religions in my host country?
- Are certain religions illegal or stigmatized in my host country?
- How important is practicing my religion abroad to me? Are there active local mosques, temples, churches, etc. that I could join or visit while overseas?
- U.S. Department of State - International Religious Freedom Report
- Kahal: Your Jewish Home Abroad
- Interfaith Youth Core
Learning and/or Mobility Differences
- What types of documentation will I need to bring abroad with me to receive the services, medication, tools or resources that I might need overseas?
- What type of environment (learning, physical, etc.) could prove more accommodating or challenging for me?
- How does my host culture view mobility or learning differences? How will I articulate my specific situation or difference to individuals in my host country, if I need to?
- Mobility International - Americans Going Abroad
- The University of Minnesota Learning Abroad Center - Students with Disabilities
- The Center for Disease Control - Traveler’s Health
Mental Health
- What are some coping strategies or techniques that I can employ that would help me in transitioning to living in a new country and culture?
- How transparent am I willing to be with support staff or instructors in my host country regarding my mental health?
- What support or resources does my study abroad partner program or host university have for students (counseling and mental health professionals on staff, contacts in the local community, group therapy options for students, etc.)?
- GoOverseas - How to Deal With Depression While Studying Abroad
- Managing Bipolar Disorder Abroad
Gender
- What are the cultural norms or expectations regarding gender identity and expression in local culture?
- What, if any, similarities or discrepancies are apparent between the U.S. and the host country regarding gender? Can I expect to be treated similarly or differently based on my gender?
- Have there been any recent reports of gender-related acts of bias or crime in my host country or city (i.e., sexual assault, harassment, etc.)?
- Pathways to Safety
- Women Abroad
- Information for Women Travelers - U.S. Department of State
LGBTQIA
- What are the laws and customs of my host country regarding LGBTQIA identities and issues?
- How open will I be with this aspect of my identity while abroad?
- What types of housing or accommodations does my program offer that would be more inclusive and/or safe (homestay, residence hall, local apartment or flat, etc.)?
- U.S. Department of State - LGBTI Traveler Information
- International Gay and Lesbian Association
Race and Ethnicity
- What are the major racial or ethnic groups within my host country?
- Is there a history of tension between racial, ethnic or tribal groups within my host country? Do those tensions continue to manifest today in different ways?
- How will my racial or ethnic identity be perceived by locals in my host country? Will I potentially encounter instances of tokenization or exoticism?
- Diversity Abroad
- Black & Abroad
- Travel Noire - Cultivated Insights from a Global Community of Black Travelers