.png)
Race & Ethnicity
Going abroad offers students the opportunity to think about race and ethnicity in a different way. For example, you may be part of an ethnic minority or majority for the first time in your life.
Initial Planning
Historically, students of color have been underrepresented in international academic study. However, participation by students of color in summer, semester, and year-long study abroad programs has been increasing in recent years. Institutions of higher education and program providers have sought to identify and remove barriers while encouraging students of all backgrounds to include international study in curriculum. According to the Institute for International Education (IIE) Open Doors annual report published in 2020, 347,099 U.S. students studied abroad for academic credit during the 2018-19 academic year, and over 31% were students of color.
Davidson’s Office of Education Abroad staff members are eager to explore options with all students and will be happy to put students in touch with program partners and returned students who can discuss their experiences.
How Will I Be Treated?
If you have concerns about issues of race, ethnicity, and the possibility of encountering discrimination abroad, you are not alone. Concerns vary depending on your cultural identity. It is common for students to feel a heightened sense of nationality while abroad, but furthermore, they may perceive themselves as a member of a majority group instead of minority or vice versa.Some students have observed that attitudes toward Americans from individuals in an urban setting may be quite different from those in rural areas in the same country, for example. For more information about experiences that individuals from minority groups have had while studying abroad, please refer to the resources below.
Things to Consider
Review these tips and questions as you plan your experience.
-
How does my host culture define race and ethnicity in their country?
-
How will I be perceived within my host community?
-
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?
-
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?
-
Someone said something I find offensive, are there cultural differences that would lead someone to say something that they don’t see as harmful?
Resources
Review these useful resources for details about race and ethnicity abroad and how you can prepare yourself for your experience.