Identity Resources

The following resources are not specific to any one identity group and offer a wide-range of support, tips, and resource databases to help prepare you for your study abroad experience.

Diversity Abroad | Organization that provides students from diverse economic, educational, ethnic, and social backgrounds access to resources for study abroad

How to Get through an Airport by Yourself | If you have never been on an airplane before, it can be very confusing and overwhelming. This step-by-step air travel guide breaks down the process for you so that you have all of the tools you need for successful air travel.

IES Country-Specific Resources | A country-specific resource guide covering topics such as dietary concerns, racial, ethnic, and national identity, gender identity, expression, and sexual orientation, religion, disability, and mental health

Student Success Center | A Miami resource center that supports active military, veterans, and benefit-eligible dependents of active military and veterans; commuter students; first-generation college students; foster care alumni and emancipated youth; housing insecure students; low-SES students; non-traditional age students; students with dependent children; transfer and relocation students

University of Wisconsin-Student Identity | A guide to help you think about your identity and what identity means abroad.

SIT Study Abroad DEI Resources | A region-specific resource guide covering a multitude of topics such as racial, ethnic, and identity concerns, gender and sexuality, and disability.

Choosing to study abroad as a first-generation college or first-generation study abroad student can be both exciting and overwhelming. Although you may be the first in your family to study abroad, you are not alone. There are many students just like you who have studied abroad and have already navigated the process. Below are resources specifically for first-generation students. They include tips and stories from other first-generation students to help get you started on your journey abroad.

University of Chicago First Generation Students Abroad | Tips and resources to navigate planning for expenses, gaining family support, and planning ahead

University of Wisconsin-First Generation Students Abroad | Questions to think about as a first-generation student, tips on how to prepare for your experience, and links to resources

IES First-Generation Resources | Videos, blogs, and student testimonials about their personal experiences as a first generation student abroad

IFSA: Overcoming Hurdles | Resources to help first generation students overcome common hurdles to studying abroad, such as cost, scholarships, and mental health

Knowledge Without Borders: Global Travel Benefits First Gen Students | How study abroad can positively affect your life and college experience

Resources

Studying abroad is an exciting and wonderful time in the lives of many students. However, if you are wondering about how your sexual orientation or sexual identity may be received while abroad, you are not alone. Something to consider before you go abroad is familiarizing yourself with the laws and local attitudes of the host country. Become familiar with the cultural customs either spoken or unspoken towards members of the LGBTQ+ community. The resources below can help you start your research and find helpful stories and tips from LGBTQ+ students who are currently abroad or students who have already returned.

IGLA (International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association) | International advocacy organization with web resources, reports, and newsletters, as well as a helpful map of sexual orientation laws across the world

US Department of State: LGBTI Travel Information | Tips and resources for before and during travel from the US Department of State

National Center for Transgender Equality | Tips for navigating airports and knowing your rights to stay safe while traveling.

Studee: The Ultimate Guide to Studying abroad as an LGBTQ+ Student |Resources on choosing a country and university, coming out abroad, finding friendly housing, scholarships, and the world’s best pride events

Traveling While Trans | Three trans travelers offer tips and personal experiences  navigating airports with binders and packers, and getting through customs and immigration.

I’m From Driftwood: Finding my Queer Voice Abroad | YouTube video detailing the study abroad experience of a queer student in Rome

LGBTQ Students University of Wisconsin-Madison | Basic guide to identity while studying abroad

Global Gayz | Blog posts of gay travel around the world broken down by country

Scholarships

Rainbow SIG | Scholarship and resource center for students who identify as LGBTQ+

PFLAGE Cincinnati Scholarship Program

Point Foundation

APIQWTC Scholarship

Stonewall Foundation Scholarships

Safety

Asher Fergusson: Worst and Safest Countries for LGBTQ+ Travel 

The LGBTQ Guide to Travel Safety

US Department of State: LGBTI Travel Information

Advice and Other Resources

LGBTQ Students University of Wisconsin-Madison | Basic guide to identity while studying abroad

Global Gayz | Blog posts of gay travel around the world

Gay Guide | Directory to finding LGBT friendly spaces around the world, including accommodation, tours, events, and more.

LGBTQIA+ Friendly Countries

Are you a part of the LGBTQIA+ community and are interested in studying abroad? Are concerns over safety and prejudice keeping you from this once in a lifetime opportunity? We at Education Abroad are here to tell you that it is absolutely possible for you to study abroad and be open about your sexual and/or gender identity. We’ve compiled a list of the safest countries for LGBTQIA+ below with selected programs that you could possibly be a part of in the future!

NOTE: This list is not meant to limit you. Even if a country isn’t on this page, that doesn’t mean it’s impossible to study there. Explore our website and schedule an appointment with an advisor who can make studying anywhere work for you!

Europe

Luxembourg - Semester and Summer Program

• Miami University MUDEC Program

Scandinavia - Semester and Summer Programs

• Copenhagen: AIFS and DIS
• Stockholm: AIFS, DIS, and ISEP
• Oslo: AIFS and ISEP

Ireland

• Miami University Americans Abroad
• Miami University Experiencing Arts and Culture in Dublin
• Miami University Sports, Management, and Culture in a Global Marketplace
• Dublin: AIFS, CIEE, IES
• Cork: API and USAC
• Galway: API and USAC
• Limerick: AIFS and API

France

• Miami University Americans Abroad
• Miami University French Study in Dijon
• FSB Exchange
• Miami University Paris: Cultural Capital
• Paris: AIFS, API, CIEE, and IES
• Nice: IES and ISEP
• Grenoble: AIFS and API
• Lyon: ISEP and USAC

United Kingdom

• Miami Exchange: University of Glasgow
• Miami Exchange: University of Leicester
• Miami University Americans Abroad
• Miami University Creating Tech Solutions for Multicultural Populations
• Miami University Energy Efficient by Design
• FSB London and Italy (Winter)
• FSB London (Semester)
• Miami University Inside London
• Miami University Interactive Design
• Miami University Literary London
• Miami University London Theatre
• Miami University Mathematics in Europe
• Miami University Sports, Management, and Culture in a Global Marketplace
• London: AIFS, API, CIEE, IES, ISEP, USAC
• Edinburgh: AIFS, ISEP, and SIT
• The Netherlands - Semester and Summer Programs
• FSB Maastricht (Semester)
• Amsterdam: CIEE, IES, ISEP, and SIT
• Maastricht: USAC
• The Hague: USA
• Belgium - Semester Programs
• Miami University Comparing US and European School Systems (Summer)
• Brussels - CIEE and ISEP
• Ghent - ISEP

The Netherlands - Semester and Summer Programs

• FSB Maastricht (Semester)
• Amsterdam: CIEE, IES, ISEP, and SIT
• Maastricht: USAC
• The Hague: USA

Belgium - Semester Programs

• Miami University Comparing US and European School Systems (Summer)
• Brussels - CIEE and ISEP
• Ghent - ISEP

Spain - Semester, Summer, and Winter Programs

• Miami FSB Barcelona (Semester)
• Miami Summer in Spain (Summer)
• Barcelona: AIFS, API, CIEE, IES, and SIT
• Madrid: AIFS, API, CIEE, IES, ISEP, and USAC
• Granada: AIFS, API, and IES
• Seville: API and CIEE
• Bilbao: API and USAC
• Alicante: CIEE and USAC

Portugal - Semester and Summer Programs

• Lisbon: CIEE and ISEP

Central and South America

Uruguay - Semester Programs

• Montevideo: ISEP and USAC
• Argentina
• Miami University Business and Conversational Spanish
• Buenos Aires: AIFS, API, CIEE, IES, ISEP, and SIT
• Mendoza: API
• Cordoba: ISEP

Asia and Oceania

Israel - Semester Programs

• Haifa - USAC

New Zealand

• Miami University Outdoor Leadership (Summer)
• Miami University Sports, Management, and Culture in a Global Marketplace (Summer)
• Auckland: IES, ISEP, and USAC
• Wellington: AIFS, API, ISEP, and USAC
• Palmerston North: ISEP and USAC
• Christchurch: IES and ISEP

Africa

South Africa - Semester and Summer Programs

• Stellenbosch: AIFS, USAC
• Cape Town: CIEE, IES, SIT
• Johannesburg: ISEP

Race and ethnicity are often defined and perceived differently abroad than in the US. Oftentimes, you may have different experiences with your identity/ies in your new host country than you do at home. You may be in the majority or minority for the first time, considered to be American over any other identity you may hold, or be mistakenly associated with groups you do not identify with. Understanding how race and ethnicity are perceived in your host country may help prepare you for your time abroad. The resources below address racial and ethnic identity abroad, share study abroad stories from students of color and give practical tips for navigating your new community as a student of color.

All Abroad US: Reasons for Studying Abroad | Identity-specific reasons for studying abroad

• • For African American students
  • For Asian/Pacific Islander American students
  • For Hispanic/Latinx American students
  • For Native American students

  A Latina’s Study Abroad Journey by Maritza Torres | Study abroad reflections from a first-generation Latina

  Asian Americans Abroad: Balancing Race Ethnicity and Nationality

  Black Student Stories From Abroad | (Recorded Aug. 31, 2020) Student panel for Black students who are interested in studying abroad featuring stories and advice. Full recording and individual stories available in this playlist.

Glimpse: Race Abroad | PDF e-book for various ethnic identities covering topics such as standing out, blending in, national vs. racial identity, and racial difference in a host country.

IES Abroad Country-Specific Resources | Offers resources for race, ethnicity, national identity, and more while abroad

Go Abroad.com: Meaningful Travel Tips and Tales

• African American Perspectives | E-book with stories covering the good, the bad and the weird of studying abroad as an African American, scholarship opportunities, program testimonials, and beauty tips
• Asian Travelers Perspectives | E-book with information on study abroad scholarships, program testimonials, facing prejudice, and traveler stories
• Diversity Abroad - Study Abroad and Identity | Documentary featuring student stories from abroad
• Black Men in Study Abroad - Leaders of the Free World | Leaders in the field of International Education share their personal experiences as black men studying abroad and share insight on the benefits of the experience
• Studying Abroad as a Black Student - Temple University | Study abroad alumni share their experiences as black students abroad

Students with disabilities participate in study abroad programs around the world; the key to a successful experience is planning. Understand, however, that attitudes, accessibility, and accommodation for students with emotional, mental, learning, or physical disabilities may vary at different program sites and locations. Think about how you will manage these differences and seek as much information as possible before you depart.

Discuss your study abroad plans with your Study Abroad Advisor and Miami’s Miller Center for Disability Resources. Our offices will work with you to discuss reasonable accommodations abroad and assist you with the planning and pre-departure process. To better help you prepare, please contact us as early as possible. The links below are designed may help you learn about opportunities and resources available for students with disabilities who would like to study abroad.

Don't let disability dictate your year abroad by Jamie Green

Mobility international USA | Free online services and resources to help students with disabilities start planning for a study abroad experience

National Clearinghouse on Disability and Exchange | Offers free advising services, trainings, and resources to make international programs more accessible and inclusive to all

Studying in Australia | Studying in Australia as a Disabled Student

The University of Minnesota | Online resource including guides and checklists

Diversity Abroad: Students with Disabilities Abroad | Tips for choosing a study abroad location that is friendly and accommodating to disabilities

Studee: The Ultimate Guide to Studying Abroad with a Disability

Scholarships and Resources for Students with Disabilities Abroad

As a Veteran, there are many opportunities to study abroad. Oftentimes, it is possible to use your veteran’s benefits to fund a study abroad program. The following resources include perspectives from veterans who have gone abroad and how to apply your GI Bill towards your experience. If you would like to speak to someone on campus about your veteran’s benefits, you may contact Kathy Ramsey at OneStop@MiamiOH.edu or 513-529-0001.

Miami’s Center for Veteran Services

GI Bill Study Abroad Fact Sheet | Fact Sheet outlining information on how to study abroad using your GI bill

How to Study Abroad as a Veteran | Information on how to study abroad as a veteran written by a former Marine

VA Foreign Programs | Using your GI Bill for study abroad

We appreciate that your religious identity may be very important to you. It can be very risky to proselytize or to speak out against the dominant religion of the host country, and it is culturally inappropriate. Shifting from being in the religious majority to being the religious minority can affect mental health. It may be more challenging to find your faith community, and you may feel distrusted or attacked for your beliefs.

You may also find that your religious identity shifts while abroad. A change in religious identity while abroad may have an impact on your mental health.

Questions to Consider:

• What is the dominant religion in your host country?
• Will I be part of the religious majority or minority while abroad? You may now be a religious minority, but a religious majority in your host country.
• Are there any laws regarding religion in my host country? Is there a separation between religion and government? How do the laws regarding religion impact the host country’s views toward women? Toward sexual orientation and other identities?
• How tolerant is my host country of other religions? What about atheists and agnostics?
• Is it safe to wear religious symbols or clothing in my host country?
• If my religious practices include a special diet, can I easily practice that diet in the host country?

Resources

Halaltrip | Resources to assist Muslim travelers with things like locating the direction of the Qibla, finding halal restaurants, finding mosques, and getting in-flight prayer times

Kahal: Your Community Abroad | Resource connecting Jewish travelers all over the world

Miami’s Interfaith Center

Religious Diversity Abroad | Things for religious students to consider when choosing a study abroad location

Salatomatic | Comprehensive guide to finding mosques and Islamic schools abroad

World Buddhist Directory | Country-specific resources for Buddhists studying abroad

Yeah That’s Kosher | Directory to assist Jewish travelers with finding kosher restaurants

Diversity Abroad: Tips for Heritage Seekers Traveling Abroad

Diversity Abroad: 8 Study Abroad Scholarships that Every Student Should Know About

CIEE: A Low-Income Student’s Guide to Study Abroad | A study abroad alum offers tips for students with limited financial means to study abroad

IFSA: Low Income Students Can Study Abroad Too | Tips to help you get abroad and save abroad

Go Abroad: 7 Pro Tips to Affordable Study Abroad | Tips for finding a way to study abroad that doesn’t break the bank 

Miami University Education Abroad: Finances and Scholarships

Yes, You Can Afford to Study Abroad! | UCIAbroad