Students of Color

Students of color may face many unique challenges during their time abroad. As in the United States, discrimination based on racial and ethnic prejudices still exists in countries around the world. Encounters with discrimination may resemble those students experience in the US, or they may look entirely different, as attitudes toward race and ethnicity vary greatly from one location to another. However, whatever form an issue may take, planning in advance and furthering your understanding of your host country can equip you to handle the challenges you may face and enjoy a rich and rewarding study abroad experience. Here is some information to get you started as you prepare for your time abroad.

Preparing to Study Abroad

Although you may generally be classified by your race or ethnicity in the United States, while abroad, you may discover that many identify you by your nationality or citizenship. The people you encounter will likely have an opinion about the U.S. and may be interested in sharing their views with you. Additionally, the local population of your host country may make assumptions based on your physical appearance. Some individuals may be curious about you and express their curiosity in ways that you might find insensitive, such as asking invasive questions about your cultural heritage and national origins, or seeking to touch your hair and skin.

If you are studying abroad in a location where you belong to the racial or ethnic majority, you may also find that expectations for you differ from those for other Americans. Locals might assume that you speak the host language or have the same cultural knowledge as them. If you belong to a racial or ethnic group that differs from the dominant group in your host country, you may also discover that the local population perceives you in a way that does not align with how you identify yourself. Be aware that people may generalize or incorrectly identify your ethnicity.

If someone says or does something that is offensive to you, try to distinguish between innocent curiosity and explicit discrimination. Although you may be confronted with insensitive questions, know that these are often a result of ignorance rather than malicious discriminatory intent. However, trust yourself when an interaction or conversation feels unsettling, and prioritize your safety above all else.

Questions to Consider as a Student of Color

• Historically, have people of color experienced discrimination in my host country?
• How is my racial and/or ethnic group perceived in my host country? Of what stereotypes should I be aware?
• Will I be staying with a host family? If so, has this family housed minority students before? Will this be an issue for them?
• Will there be other minority students in my program?
• Whom should I contact if I face racial or discriminatory incidents?
• Does my program have support staff that will understand and help me through any racial or discriminatory issue that I may face?
• How do I plan to deal with situations such as people wanting to take photos of me, touch my hair or skin, or treat me in a way that I find strange or upsetting?
• Who are the racial and ethnic minorities in my host country?
• Are there laws concerning racial and ethnic discrimination?
• Will I be part of a majority or a minority for the first time?
• How (if at all) will these factors impact my experience abroad?

Tips for Students of Color Studying Abroad

• Research your host country in advance to familiarize yourself with how your racial and/or ethnic group is perceived in your host country. Look into what kinds of contact and relations your racial or ethnic group has had in your host country.
• Familiarize yourself with current events occurring in your host country and how those events may impact the way in which your racial or ethnic group is perceived.
• Build a support network among other study abroad students so that if you do face racial or discriminatory incidents, you will have support to help you address it.
• Do not feel pressured to explain your identity to everyone all the time. Choose opportunities that suit you and that you have identified as safe and inclusive to have this conversation.
• Be prepared if an incident does arise, but do not go abroad anticipating racism and discrimination.

W&M Resources

• W&M GEO: Diversity Abroad - Race & Ethnicity
• W&M Center for Student Diversity
• W&M Compliance and Equity Office: Equity Resources

More Resources:

• Diversity Abroad - Students of Color Abroad
• IFSA - UNPACKED: A Study Abroad Guide for Students Like Me
• University of Chicago - Race, Ethnicity, and Nationality Abroad
• The Center for Global Education's PLATO Project
• Grand Valley State University - Students of Color
• Michigan State Office for Education Abroad - Race and Ethnicity
• All Abroad - Resources for Students of Color
• PLATO: Resources to Support Underrepresented Students
• Arcadia Abroad: Black and Studying Abroad: Tips for Maintaining Your Identity