Identity Resources
Embrace your identity abroad
Understanding your multifaceted identity while studying abroad is essential for every traveler. At IFSA, our inclusive team is dedicated to supporting you every step of the way.
We encourage you to explore the cultural landscape of your host country by reviewing identity resources and engaging in meaningful conversations with your Enrollment Counselor. This preparation will help you navigate your journey with confidence, knowing that our in-country team is always available to assist you during your experience.
Preparing for your journey
Every location offers a unique context that shapes how you experience your identity. As you prepare, consider the following questions to deepen your understanding of what you might encounter:
- Cultural Context: What is the history of racial, ethnic, religious, or class dynamics in your host country?
- Coping Strategies: How do you handle discrimination or being perceived differently due to your identities?
- Identity Salience: Which aspects of your identity resonate most with you, and how might that change in a new environment?
- Community Connections: How do you build community at home, and what communities can you expect to connect with abroad?
A little preparation goes a long way in fostering connections with local cultures and customs. We encourage you to reflect on these key concepts before you depart:
- Intersectionality: Embrace your whole self. Recognizing the interplay of your identities and the local context will enrich your experiences overall and empower you to navigate the culture in ways that optimize your sense of belonging, safety, and comfort.
- Cultural Perspectives: Different locations bring diverse worldviews. Engage critically with varying values and ideas.
- Language Nuances: Communication can change meaning based on location. Consider how your words may be interpreted and the importance of translation.
- Political Landscape: Political openness varies globally. Stay open-minded about differing viewpoints, even if they challenge your own.
- Stereotypes: Understand that perceptions of Americans can differ greatly. Keep an open heart to the realities of other cultures, which may defy stereotypes.
- Growth Mindset: Studying abroad can expand your thinking. Approach new experiences with curiosity and an open mind, ready to explore new ideas and possibilities.
With the right preparation and mindset, your journey abroad with IFSA will be a transformative experience that deepens your understanding of yourself and the world around you.
General resources
- Diversity Abroad: Culture & Diversity Destination guides
- IIE Open Doors: data and demographics on U.S. students studying abroad
- U.S. Department of State: International Travel (scroll to Different Types of Travelers)
- Mobility International USA (MIUSA): Supporting disability rights leadership through international exchange