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.

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

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

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

CIEE City-Specific Resources

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.

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.

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 as a first-generation student

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.

Resources

IGLA (International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, and Intersex Association) | International advocacy organization with web resources, reports, and newsletters, as well as helpful maps of laws related to sexual orientation and gender around the world

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

Meaningful Travel Tips and Tales: LGBTQ Perspectives | Free e-book that explores study abroad scholarships, program testimonials, facing prejudice, and traveler stories

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

National Center for Transgender Equity | Tips for navigating airports and knowing your rights to stay safe while traveling as a trans individual

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 | Questions to consider related to your LGBTQ+ identity before 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+. Apply for the FEA Rainbow Scholarship through the Fund for Education Abroad Scholarships.

PFLAGE Cincinnati Scholarship Program | Scholarship awarded to LGBTQ+ students attending college in the greater Cincinnati area

Point Foundation | Scholarships available to LGBTQ+ students with additional scholarship opportunities for BIPOC students

APIQWTC Scholarship | Scholarships available to Asian/Pacific Islander lesbian, bisexual, or queer women or transgender individuals

Stonewall Foundation Scholarships | Scholarships available to LGBTQ+ students

Safety

Asher Fergusson: Worst and Safest Countries for LGBTQ+ Travel | Analysis of the status of LGBTQ+ rights around the world to produce a list of countries most to least safe for LGBTQ+ individuals

The LGBTQ Guide to Travel Safety | Travel safety guide for LGBTQ+ individuals published by The International LGBTQ+ Travel Association

LGBTQ+ Travel Safety | Safety guide for traveling as an LGBTQ+ individual, as well as additional resources

US Department of State: LGBTI Travel Information | Information from the U.S. government about traveling as a LGBTQ+ individual

LGBTQIA+ Friendly Countries

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!

Africa

• South Africa

Asia

• Taiwan (Although Taiwan currently ranks as #48 out of #203, scoring a C+, on the LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index, the country is recognized as a leader in LGBTQIA+ rights in Asia, being the first country in the continent to legalize same-sex marriage. Speak with your Education Abroad Advisor or the Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion to discuss if Taiwan is right for you as an LGBTQ+ individual.)

Central and South America

• Chile
• Uruguay

Europe

• Belgium
• Denmark
• France
• Germany
• Iceland
• Ireland
• Luxembourg
• Malta
• Norway
• Portugal
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland
• The Netherlands
• United Kingdom

North America

• Canada

Oceania

• Australia
• New Zealand

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.

General Resources for Students of Color

Diversity Abroad - Study Abroad and Identity | Documentary featuring student stories from abroad

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

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

For Black Students

Reasons for Studying Abroad | Reflection on why Black students should study abroad and what challenges they may face

Meaningful Travel Tips & Tales: African American Perspectives | Free e-book with stories covering the good, the bad, and the weird of studying abroad as a Black student, as well as scholarship opportunities and program testimonials

Black Student Stories from Abroad - Miami University | (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.

Studying Abroad as a Black Student - Temple University | Study abroad alumni share their experiences as Black students abroad

Black Men in Study Abroad | 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

For Asian/Pacific Islander American Students

Reasons for Studying Abroad | Reflection on why Asian/Pacific Islander American students should study abroad and what challenges they may face

Asian Americans Abroad: Balancing Race, Ethnicity, and Nationality | Asian American woman's reflection on racism she encountered abroad, traveling as an Asian American individual, and Asian American travel bloggers who have given her perspective on her own experiences

Meaningful Travel Tips & Tales: Asian Perspectives | Free e-book that explores study abroad scholarships, program testimonials, facing prejudice, and traveler stories

For Hispanic/Latinx/Latine Students

Reasons for Studying Abroad | Reflection on why Hispanic/Latinx/Latine students should study abroad and what challenges they may face

Meaningful Travel Tips & Tales: Latinx Perspectives | Free e-book that explores study abroad scholarships, program testimonials, facing prejudice, and traveler stories

Latino/a/x Community Success Abroad | Questions to ponder and what to expect while studying abroad as a Hispanic/Latinx/Latine student

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

For Native American Students

Reasons for Studying Abroad | Reflection on why Native American students should study abroad and what challenges they may face

Indigenous student success abroad | Questions to ponder and what to expect while studying abroad as a Native American student

Indigenous Abroad // Courtney in Japan & South Korea | Courtney Hale, a woman from the Diné Nation, shares about her experience with study 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 Education Abroad Advisor and Miami’s Miller Center for Student Disability Services. 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 to help you learn about opportunities and resources available for students with disabilities who would like to study abroad.

Resources

Meaningful Travel Tips & Tales: Traveling with a Disability | Free e-book that explores study abroad scholarships, program testimonials, facing prejudice, and traveler stories

Americans Going Abroad - MIUSA National Clearinghouse on Disability and Exchange | Wide range of disability-specific resources, including personal stories, tip sheets, and best practices

U.S. Department of State: Travelers with Disabilities | U.S. government information, tips, and resources for individuals with disabilities going abroad

Mobility International USA (MIUSA) | Free online services and resources to help students with disabilities start planning for a study abroad experience; search "study abroad" to see resources tailored to education abroad programs

Studee: The Ultimate Guide to Studying Abroad with a Disability | Recommended countries, scholarships, and pre-departure considerations for students with disabilities going abroad, as well as recommended contacts while in-country

Exploring the World: A Comprehensive Wheelchair Accessible Travel Guide | Guide for navigating travel as a wheelchair user

Students with Disabilities - Western Michigan University Study Abroad | Additional resources and scholarships for students with disabilities planning to go abroad

Diversity Abroad: Students with Disabilities Abroad | Questions to ponder as an individual with a disability before going on an education abroad program

How I Successfully Studied Abroad with a Disability | Sarah Mahoney, a wheelchair user, recounts her experiences abroad with a disability and provides advice and recommended pre-departure steps from her perspective

Don't let disability dictate your year abroad | Jamie Green, a wheelchair user, recounts their experiences abroad as an individual with a disability

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 the One Stop at OneStop@MiamiOH.edu or 513-529-0001.

Resources

Student Veterans Center (Oxford) | Located at Wells Hall, 301 E. Spring Street; for more information, contact veterans@MiamiOH.edu or the One Stop at 513-529-0001

Miami University Center for Veteran Services (Regionals) | Center that provides support for student veterans on the Hamilton and Middletown Campuses to have the best possible collegiate experience, preparing them for their post-military role in society

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

GoAbroad: How to Use Your GI Bill to Study Abroad | Overview of educational benefits under the GI Bill, how those might apply to study abroad, and limitations of those benefits

Military, Veteran, and GI Bill Students - University of Wisconsin | Important considerations for veterans studying abroad, funding opportunities, and student testimonials

How to Study Abroad as a Veteran | A former Marine shares his experience with planning for and completing a study abroad program utilizing GI Bill benefits

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. Below are resources related to religious identity abroad.

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

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

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

Salatomatic | Comprehensive guide to finding mosques and Islamic schools abroad

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

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

Faith & Studying Abroad | A Christian student shares about how her faith interacted with her study abroad experience

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

The Interfaith Center at Miami University

Heritage seekers are students who choose to complete an abroad experience in a country to which they have ancestral or cultural ties. Through these experiences, heritage seekers can learn more about the history and culture of their ancestral or familial homeland. This can be an overwhelming and emotional experience, so it is important for heritage seekers to prepare themselves for their abroad experience. The resources below outline tips, important questions to ponder, and student testimonials for heritage seekers to utilize before departing for their education abroad program.

Resources

Diversity Abroad: Tips for Heritage Seekers Traveling Abroad | Important considerations and tips for heritage seekers completing an education abroad program

Asian in America, American in Asia | Timothy Valero reflects on his education abroad experience as an Asian American student in Japan

Exploring my Mexican Identity | Carolina reflects on her ongoing abroad experience in Mexico as a Mexican American student

How Studying Abroad in Ghana Changed My Racial Consciousness | Akintunde Ahmad recounts his experience studying abroad in Ghana as a Black student

An (Arab-) American in Jordan | Megan reflects on her time as an Arab-American student studying abroad in Jordan

Funding is a common obstacle for students looking to study abroad. But there are many scholarships available to students to help decrease program costs, as well as resources for saving money while abroad. When trying to make study abroad more affordable, the most important thing is careful planning. The resources below should aid you in overcoming financial obstacles to completing an education abroad program.

Resources

Cost-Effective Approved Non-Miami Programs | A list of programs Miami students are eligible to go on under $11,000, as well as between $11,000 and $13,000.

Gilman International Scholarship | U.S. Department of State scholarship for study abroad awarded to Federal Pell Grant recipients with application deadlines in March and October; contact Karla Guinigundo if interested in applying

Fund for Education Abroad | Fund that provides scholarships to students with financial need who are underrepresented among the U.S. study abroad population

Miami University Education Abroad: Finances and Scholarships | Information about cost-effective programs, how Miami aid might apply to your abroad experience, and more information about additional national scholarships

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

Studying Abroad as a Low-Income Student | Abigail Stupar talks about her experience studying abroad in Milan as a, as she calls it, "low-income never-traveled-like-this-before student"

Choosing to study abroad as a non-traditional student can be both exciting and overwhelming. As a non-traditional student, you might have a wide range of responsibilities in addition to your studies, such as work, family, financial, and/or community commitments. Many non-traditional students have a breadth of life experiences that may make studying abroad an especially enriching experience. The key to successfully completing an education abroad program is careful planning. Please see this list of resources tailored to the needs of non-traditional students looking to study abroad.

Resources

Adult Learners & Non-Traditional Students - University of Kansas | Things to consider when choosing to study abroad as a non-traditional student, divided by short-term and long-term program duration

Studying Abroad for the Non-Traditional College Student | A 45-year-old woman with full-time job (in addition to her studies), a husband, and two children recounts her experience studying abroad in London for a 3-week summer session as a non-traditional college student