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Race & Ethnicity Abroad

A page within International Education & Engagement

Students of various racial and ethnic backgrounds may encounter a range of approaches regarding diversity and inclusion while abroad. Those approaches may be similar to those in the U.S., the opposite, or somewhere in between. Some students may be welcomed as a local due to their ethnic background while others may find themselves in the minority for the first time. It is important to keep in mind that countries have different social and cultural norms, and terms that are not considered very inclusive or politically correct in the U.S., might be accepted as normal in other countries.

As any student preparing to study abroad, you will need to do some research and some of that research will need to be focused on your race and ethnicity. Learning about the racial climate of each country before you choose a program, will help you make an informed decision.

Quote from Sara in Spain
Quote from Hailey in Germany
Quote from Megan in Peru
Quote from Ethan in Hong Kong
Quote from Isabel in Italy
Quote from Arik in Tanzania

These are some things to consider to help you think about your race and ethnicity while looking at study abroad programs:

  • How is the relationship between that country and the U.S.? And the history between both countries?
  • How do people in the that country tend to view U.S. citizens now? Before?
  • How is my ethnic group perceived in that country? Are there any stereotypes?
  • How will I feel if I am the only student of color in a cohort of other U.S. citizen on my program?
  • Is there a history of discrimination that people like myself have faced in that country? Is there a chance that I will experience discrimination there?
  • Who will I contact in that country, if I do face racial or prejudicial incidents? Are there any organizations to support people like me?
  • Are there any laws against discrimination based on race and ethnicity?
  • How can I talk to my family about how studying abroad in that country will contribute to my academics and career goals?

This research will help you be prepared if an incident arises, but it is not meant for you to go abroad expecting racism or discrimination. Your Education Abroad Advisor will be more than happy to help you with your research and navigate this information when looking for programs.

To learn more about the education abroad process and programs offered at UWL, we encourage you to attend an Education Abroad 101 session. We are here for you!

Resources

Minority and Students of Color Abroad

Black and Abroad

AllABROAD.US

Underrepresented Students

Disclaimer

The resources provided on this website are for informational purposes only. They do not constitute an endorsement or approval by UW-La Crosse of any of the products, services, or opinions of the corporation, organization, or individual. UW-La Crosse bears no responsibility for the accuracy,

Student's Testimonials

Hailey
Sara
Megan
Ethan
Dorothy
Alivia
Isabel
Malcolm
Arik

Sara in Spain

"As an Asian-American majoring in Biology and Spanish I was excited to go to Spain to experience a completely different culture from the states while practicing Spanish. I feel like I learned more in a week than in my semester long classes. My favorite memories were the nights I went out with friends because that was when I learned and experienced the most. There’s only so much a classroom can teach before you have to experience it for yourself in the real world. Try to make friends as soon as you can even if it’s with other Americans (natives preferred) because it can be lonely without a buddy to have around, and it’s safer. Allow yourself at least 1 splurge souvenir/day-trip to remember by even if you’re on a tight budget like I was. Studying abroad will likely be your “easiest/lightest” semester course load wise, so enjoy the break. It was very overwhelming at first but be patient and fake it until you make it! Being fluent is often many people’s goal but remember true fluency only happens with years of living in that language. Don’t put too much pressure on trying to become fluent. If you have any specific questions don’t be afraid to reach out to International Education and Engagement!"

Megan Testimonial

"Before I studied abroad in Cusco, Peru, I had never been the only white person in the room, or in my case, on the bus to class. The first few times I took the bus alone to class, I felt very out of place. As a pale redhead, I stood out very obviously. Many times, children would stare at me for the whole bus ride from my home stay to campus. My host mom was very comforting when I told her about my bus rides and how I felt out of place. She mentioned that many of the children may not have ever seen my hair color before. That had never occurred to me. Having come from Minnesota, I was used to being in the majority. For me, it was eye-opening to experience briefly what it felt like to hold, even for my short period of time abroad, a minority status. Despite standing out for obvious reasons, Peru felt very safe and the locals there were so kind to me and my classmates. I would encourage everyone to study abroad! I think being pushed out of your comfort zone is a great way to learn more about yourself."

Hailey in Germany

"As a mixed-race Black woman with German heritage, I decided to study abroad in Marburg, Germany because of my fluency in the language, my family connections, and to further explore my heritage. I did not anticipate that my identity would serve as a barrier to my experience. In Marburg, I was one of few brown-skinned people as even the makeup store didn’t have my skin color. It was isolating navigating a new culture from a rarely represented perspective. Despite these challenges, I had the unique and valuable opportunity to bring a diverse perspective to an international education setting, where I challenged assumptions and biases surrounding Black culture. As a student, I had the opportunity to travel affordably, both independently and among peers, visiting more diverse German cities and seven other European countries. In those places, I found spaces where I felt safe within my Blackness as I was affirmed, represented, and recognized. I encourage Black and Brown students to study abroad in a place where they feel drawn too, even if discouraged by the negative experiences of others. Know that no matter where that place is, you will learn how to claim space in places that need your voice."

Isabel in Italy

As a first generation student of color, college can be so overwhelming and exciting at the same time. It is a huge learning curve to understand how be a successful student in a university setting because there are many new things to get familiar with such as FAFSA, time management, scholarships, etc. But, there are super exciting parts of the journey because new fun opportunities that you haven't even heard of before are right around the corner. That's what my study abroad program was for me. Coming from a working class family, I never even considered the idea of studying abroad because I thought it would be too expensive and would delay my graduation. I am happy to announce I will be graduating in 4 years and was able to pay a very affordable amount out of pocket for my faculty-led trip to Italy! I was able to use financial aid, received a summer Lawton Grant and an I-Engage scholarship. It is definitely a possibility for you to study abroad too! I thought that I wouldn't be a good fit to study abroad, but if it is a goal of yours- there absolutely are ways to make it happen. Go out there, and find your fit with a study abroad trip. I promise you won't regret it.

Alivia in France

I chose to study abroad the spring semester of my Sophomore year and I believe that it was the best choice that I made at UW-L. I am a French major so studying in a Francophone country was a must for me. As a first-generation student, beginning the process to study abroad was quite intimidating and challenging, but not impossible and before I knew it, I was on a plane to Caen, France! I was so excited to get started and once I got settled into my new university (l'université de Caen) I was able to meet new people and make friends from around the world. I loved exploring the centre-ville (downtown) and taking walks around the river and castle that were there. The hype about french pastries and cheese is true! I am so grateful to have had this opportunity to live independently in a community and culture that I never experienced before; it is truly the best educational experience anyone can partake in. I learned so much about myself and how resilient I am as an individual. I learned to step outside of my comfort zone and to embrace new experiences. I also learned a little French, too naturellement. I am so thankful that I was given this opportunity and for the guidance and support that the IEE provided me. Studying abroad is a once in a lifetime opportunity that I believe everyone should take advantage of if they can!

Dorothy in Italy

As a pre-law student and campus leader, I see myself as someone who is constantly learning, questioning, and trying to understand people on a deeper level. Studying abroad in Milan, Italy pushed me to do exactly that—but outside of a classroom. Being immersed in a new culture made my academic interests in anthropology and sociology feel real and alive. Instead of just reading about social norms, power structures, and cultural patterns, I was living inside them every day. I found myself analyzing everything from how people communicate and form relationships to how public space, fashion, and food reflect identity and values.

As an American student, studying abroad also forced me to confront my own assumptions and habits. I became more aware of how culture shapes the way we move through the world, and how much we take that for granted at home. Applying my academics to real-life experiences helped me grow intellectually and personally, and it strengthened my confidence, independence, and sense of purpose.

If you are even thinking about studying abroad, do it. Take the chance to step outside what’s familiar, connect your learning to real life, and let the experience change you in ways you never expected.

Ethan in Hong Kong

I am an adopted Chinese American. Being adopted when I was 3 years old, I have missed out on a culture that I would have grown up in. As I am pursuing a minor in Chinese Studies and I am Chinese, ironically it would make sense to experience the Chinese culture. I decided on Hong Kong as it is an international hub full of different cultures with English being a widely spoken language. What a perfect opportunity to have a taste of the Chinese culture without having to worry about speaking another language. It was quite heartwarming to feel like a part of the in-crowd as almost everyone I saw was similar to me. I am honored to have such an opportunity to experience such a starkly different environment. The fast-pace bustling rush, wellbehaved people, major emphasis on transportation and technology, large variety of culturally diverse food, compactness and overcrowdedness of Hong Kong are elements that I will not forget. I definitely can see myself in the future coming back for a visit. Studying abroad is an unforgettable experience that I recommend you should try at least once before leaving college! Have fun!

Malcolm in France

I identify as an LGBTQ+ Chicano-American, first generation student at UWL. I have a double major in Anthropology and Philosophy with a minor in French. I decided to study abroad in the summer of 2019 because I thought it would be a wonderful experience I could grow and develop in. So, I studied in Caen, Normandie, a region in northern France that borders the English channel. I was terrified to go because I had never left North America at that point in my life. I was afraid of what French people would think of me and if I would be able to communicate, and even more terrifying was the fact that I was going to stay with a French host family for my six weeks in France. I was delighted to find that the majority of French people I met really liked me and that most of them could understand me quite well. It was a huge compliment to be told by several French people that I spoke their language proficiently. I am incredibly proud of my experience abroad and would do it again in a heartbeat if I could. I miss my host family quite a lot and wish I could see them again.

Arik in Tanzania

I had the privilege and opportunity to travel halfway across the world to the coastal country of Tanzania. There we explored what it means to sustainable in a developing country but, the lessons I would learn we’re vastly more expansive. Over the course of the trip, we met with a wide variety of lifestyles. We went on many safaris as we explored the relationship between the people and the natural world around them. When you say the word Africa many people jump to ideas of poverty, crime, and disease, however, this trip opened my eyes to show me that Tanzania and the country of Tanzania and Africa is much more than that. For the first while I was there my skin color made me a minority, it gave me a glimpse of what it feels like to look different than the people around me. The journey I took didn’t just teach me about what life is like in a distant country but, it taught me a little bit about who I am. All the work I put into preparing for the trip was well worth the hassle and I wish had more time to study abroad.

Events

Multiple dates (26 upcoming) Education Abroad 101 Learn how you can study abroad/away!
5 to 7 p.m. Tue, March 3 International Women's Day Celebration
5 to 6 p.m. Wed, March 4 Japan Education & Culture Panel Presented by visiting students from the University of Teacher Education Fukuoka
5 to 9 p.m. Sat, April 18 61st Annual International Banquet
2 to 3 p.m. Tue, April 28 Fulbright U.S. Student Program Group Presentation Session (GPS)

News

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