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.
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
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
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
- International Religious Freedom Report
- Human Rights Report
- Hajj and Umrah Information
- Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad
- Diversity Abroad: Religious Diversity Abroad
- Connecting with a religious community as an international student
- Religious Diversity in Study Abroad Advising
- The Pluralism Project
- Virtual Library: World Religions Links
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
