Religion Abroad

Religion is an important facet of culture, and it's important to understand your own religious beliefs and those of your host country to identify any opportunities or challenges that may arise while abroad. During your program, you will probably encounter people of different religious and non-religious backgrounds. Students should be aware that in some countries it is a crime to conduct religious activities, so you need to know the laws and conditions in the places you will be living and traveling.

Bali, Indonesia (photo by Megan Thackaberry)

General Tips

Use the local religion as an entry point to understanding the local culture.
Know the local laws in regard to religion and especially as this relates to anything that may appear to be proselytizing.
Demonstrate respect- wear appropriate attire, show proper respect to icons etc. If they do not know what is appropriate, ask.
Research resources available in your host country to discover places of worship, along with organizations you can connect with.
Do some research to gain a general understanding of the predominant religion in your host country. This can give you a better understanding of different cultural and religious customs you may experience.
If possible, attend a religious gathering in your host country with your program or host family, this can help you gain a better sense of a differing religious perspective.
Visit the US State Department’s Traveler’s Checklist and review the country information pages for details on visa requirements and to learn about some local laws that may impact you

Adapted from GWU Office for Study Abroad - Religious & Non-Religious Students Abroad https://studyabroad.gwu.edu/religious-non-religious-students-abroad

Possible Religious Limitations Abroad

Many countries have laws that restrict religious expression. These may include restrictions on:

public or private prayer or other religious practices
wearing religious attire or symbols
preaching in a private or public setting
speaking to others about your beliefs
possessing religious images
criticizing or questioning the religious beliefs of others
visiting certain religious sites if you are female
possessing printed religious materials
distributing religious literature; and
participating in religious services or activities.

These laws may be applied more or less severely to foreign visitors, so be sure to research the local laws and customs of your destination country.

Other Limitations You May Encounter

Access to communities of faith
Openness, flexibility, and respect for difference
Access to places of worship (regular and holidays)
Public vs. private sphere (what to share, when, where, etc.)
Majority/minority relations in the country
Being yourself abroad

Paro Dzong, Bhutan (photo by Lauren Croissant)

Resources for Religious and Spiritual Groups Abroad

In terms of finding access to a certain faith community, finding a place of worship, tips for practicing a specific religion abroad, and other faith specific questions, here is a list of resources organized by religious beliefs that can answer a wide array of questions you might have before studying abroad.

General Resources for Practicing Religion While Abroad

Agnostic/Atheist/Humanist

International Humanist and Ethical Union - IHEU is the world union of over a hundred Humanist, rationalist, secular, ethical culture, atheist and free-thought organizations in more than 40 countries.
Secular Web - List of organizations, including a limited number of international student organizations

Buddhism

Dharmanet - Listing of Buddhist groups and meditation groups by region
World Buddhist Directory - Worldwide searchable database of Buddhist organizations
Buddhist Centers and Organizations - List of Buddhist communities in 66 countries

Christianity

Church Finder - Limited international church listings
Christianity Today International - International network of Christian ministries

Many denominations have their own directories. Try searching for your denomination in your host country or city

Hinduism

Hindu Temples Worldwide - Details of various Hindu temples in Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Australia, Europe, UK and the Caribbean
All Hindu Temples: Hindu temple directory in more than 50 countries

Islam

Islamic Finder: Directory of prayer times, Islamic organizations, and mosques worldwide
Muslim Internet Directory: List of organizations and online resources worldwide
Halal Restaurants & Stores: Directory of halal restaurants and stores worldwide

Judaism

Kahal: Your Jewish Home Abroad - Resources on holiday celebrations, Shabbat dinners, and other opportunities while travelling to help you jump into the culture around you through the local Jewish community.
Jewish Virtual Library - List of synagogues worldwide
Delegation of Jewish American Students - Providing American Jewish students studying abroad the resources, tools, and connections they need to meaningfully engage with the Jewish community and their Jewish identity
World Union of Jewish Students: International umbrella organization comprised of 48 national independent Jewish Student Unions around the world
Kosher Restaurants & Stores: Directory of over 3,410 kosher restaurants and stores in over 70 countries

Sevilla, Spain (photo by Laila Drury)

Granada, Spain (photo by Sarah Bottari)

W&M Resources:

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