Skip to main content

Accessibility menu

Skip to main content Skip to footer

Religious & Non-Religious Students Abroad

A page within International Education & Engagement

As cultures, ethnic backgrounds, and other aspects of your personal identity will vary from country to country, so will religion. In many countries, religion plays an important role and may be closely tied to the culture and legal system; therefore, understanding the local religious customs may even be essential to navigating day-to-day life, even if you are not religious yourself. For example, observance of certain religious customs may be required by local law or the local hours businesses are open might change during religious holidays.

Quote from JJ in Ecuador
Quote from Allison in Spain
Quote from Elise in Greece
Quote from Anna in Australia

If you are a student of faith who would like to continue practicing while abroad, or a student who would like to learn about religious practices in the host country, you need to do some research. But before you even start the research process, take some time to think about your religious or non-religious identity. For example:

  • Do you want to continue practicing by attending services, mass, etc.? Or are you comfortable with adjusting the way you will practice your religion while you are away?
  • Do you have certain holidays that you will want to observe and celebrate during the time you will be abroad?
  • Are there certain food/dishes that you must have during your religious holidays? Is that food or ingredients available abroad? Can you make those dishes?
  • Do you need certain accommodations to practice your religion?
  • If you are not religious, will you feel comfortable going to a country where religion plays an important role? Will you feel comfortable being included in/excluded from those practices and celebrations?

Once you are ready to do your research, one place you could start is the CIA’s World Factbook. This site allows you to search by country and provides the most recent statistics on religion.

If you are planning on worshiping abroad, research in advance location where you will be able to do so. These are some things to have in mind while you are doing your research:

  • Is it realistic for me to continue to practice my religion abroad in the same way I practice it at home or on campus? Your expectations will be a big influencer in your overall experience.
  • What is the extent of religious tolerance (or lack of) in that country? Is there a dominant religion? Are all religions tolerated?
  • Is there a chance that I will be in the religious minority?
  • Will there be a place where I can worship? Will there be services offered in my native language?
  • Is it safe to wear religious symbols and/or clothing? Is it safe to openly practice my religion?
  • Can I accommodate my dietary restrictions?
  • Are there specific religious holidays that I’d still like to practice while I am abroad? Are they celebrated in that country? How?
  • Even if my religion is openly observed in that country, are there different practices and/or customs in the way they practice it?

If you are not a religious person, there are also things that you will need to consider:

  • How can I respect the religious holidays and customs in that country?
  • What religious holidays occur during my stay? What will they entail? Am I comfortable with that?
  • Will religious beliefs within that country influence how people interact with me because of my non-religious identity?
  • How will I feel, if I participate in excursions to sites of worship?
  • Are there laws regarding some religious practices?
  • Is there separation of religion and government?

Whether you are a student of faith or not, remember to be open minded about the different beliefs you may encounter while abroad and consider how your own religious beliefs may be received by the local culture. If you have any concerns or would like some help with your research, do not hesitate to contact your Education Abroad Advisor. 

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

The Pluralism Project

5 Best Countries for Religion Study Abroad 

The International Religious Freedom Report from the U.S. Department of State describes the status of religious freedom in every country.

Religion and Dietary Practices

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

JJ
Allison
Jackson
Anna
Ana
Elise
Madeline
Cody
Katelyn

JJ in Ecuador

"My name’s JJ and I identify as a Christian. In the states I have always had Christian community. When I was growing up I went to a youth group and then when I went to college at UWL I got very involved in Cru, as well as Northside Church. Studying abroad has been a very different experience. I have gone to church but not found much of a community. My host family and almost all of the exchange students are either agnostic or atheists. It has led to some really interesting and eye opening conversations that I have really enjoyed. I think that if I hadn’t had this experience I would not have dove so deep into what Christianity actually believes about a lot of topics which was awesome. So, while it was a little difficult to find christian community here in Ecuador, it really helped me to dig deep and discover what I really believe. I’m so glad to have studied abroad as a Christian to learn other world perspectives as well as dive deeper into what I believe. So, if you’re a Christian considering studying abroad, be ready for a challenge, but it’s worth it!"

Allison

"As a female Christian student, studying abroad in Granada, Spain positively impacted my faith life. The predominant religion of Spain is Catholicism, which is the same religion that I practice, so I immediately felt a sense of familiarity. I established a strong connection with my host mom, who attended Holy Mass every Sunday and often brought me to beautiful, hidden Catholic churches because she understood how important my faith is to me. Throughout the program, I visited numerous churches including the Cathedral in Granada and Sevilla. Beyond admiring the historical and architectural beauty of these old Catholic churches, I was also able to pray in the perpetual adoration chapel in the Granada Cathedral, where Jesus is truly present in the Eucharist. This helped me to develop a deeper, more intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. In addition, the city of Granada celebrates Corpus Christi, which I was fortunate enough to celebrate and witness. This is a big holiday where Jesus in the Eucharist is carried in a procession throughout the entire city of Granada while everyone awaits in the streets. It was moving to see thousands of people truly worship Jesus, and it strengthened my faith in a meaningful way."

Jackson in South Africa

"My name is Jackson, I am majoring in Communications Studies with an emphasis in Organizational and Professional Communication and minoring in Legal Studies. I chose to study abroad in South Africa for a little over a month in between my second and third year at UWL because I had never been out of the country before and I really wanted to experience somewhere that was entirely different than where I have been my whole life. The faculty led program to Cape Town, South Africa was the perfect opportunity to do so, and going on that study abroad trip is one of the best decisions I have ever made. Being halfway across the world in a country, and even a continent, that I had never been to before and didn’t know much about broadened my perspective and my outlook in ways that I had never considered before. Having the opportunity to visit so many landmarks and locations that are so significant to the history, and the present, of South Africa was impactful in a way I couldn’t even imagine going into the trip and I came back with a greater sense of gratitude and love for both my own culture and cultures across the world. If you have the opportunity to study abroad through UWL, I wouldn’t hesitate to take it. The people I met while on the trip are still some of my best friends and I will never forget my time studying abroad. "

Jackson in South Africa

Ana in Scotland

"I identify as an LGBTQ+ student of faith, who deals with depression and anxiety. As someone who has delt with anxiety and depression for many years, I knew the study abroad journey was going to challenge me but would also help me to grow in so many ways. It provoked a lot of worry about the unknown. However, once I was over there, one of my favorite parts was exploring new and different things. The pace of life in Scotland was so relaxed, providing me an opportunity to learn how to be comfortable with the uncomfortable. People were welcoming, accepting, and open to hearing about my background. I was exposed to many new perspectives about religion and faith, both from the past and the present. Although there were times I struggled with feeling alone, it pushed me to learn how to enjoy spending time with myself. The adventures I went on alone are some I treasure the most. Studying abroad was one of the best, most rewarding experiences I will ever have, and I encourage anyone who has even the slightest itch to go abroad to do it! It will be challenging but incredibly rewarding. Plus, you only live once!"

Elise Abroad

"As a student of faith, I’ve always been intrigued by the ancient belief systems of other cultures. Of these, one of the most famous is Greek mythology. Ever since I was a child these stories have enchanted me. In Greece, I loved getting to see some of the oldest sites of worship in the world and the beautiful scenery around them. Seeing the Pantheon in person was a once in a life time experience that I wouldn’t trade for the world. Standing there between the massive temples, I felt connected to the past in a real and tangible way. As a history education major, that was an experience I look forward to sharing with my students. It was also wonderful to share this experience with a group of my peers. On my study abroad experience I made wonderful lasting friendships and was challenged to step out of my comfort zone in new ways. Traveling is one of the greatest joys of humanity but traveling with your peers makes it even more enjoyable. Regardless of their major, I would highly recommend studying abroad to any student who asked me."

Madeline in Spain

"I identify myself as a student of faith that is motivated and committed to my path and future. These characteristics I credit to my experience abroad in Spain. I traveled to Granada this past summer for my minor in Spanish and to gain a rich cultural experience – something I was lacking living in my bubble in small town Wisconsin. As a student of faith attending mass has always been an important part of my week and when I went to Spain, I wanted to maintain that routine. On Sundays I would explore the city on my own – something I highly recommend anyone who studies abroad should do. I went to different churches each week and was able to listen and be exposed to the Spanish language while participating in mass and taking in the amazing architecture each church uniquely possessed. In my study abroad experience I was motivated to gain as much cultural knowledge and experience that I could, and those experiences translate now in how I approach my future. I am so grateful for the opportunity and experience and cannot emphasize enough how much it changes a person and their outlook on life."

Cody Testimonial

"As a 1st generation student, the idea of attending a university always scared me. However, I knew it would have to be done to live my dream. On a sick day in first grade, I watched VHS copies of the Indiana Jones films. Like countless kids, I proclaimed that would be me one day. Fast forward to third grade; for our school Mardi Gras celebration, our class decided to inform our peers on the culture and history of Peru. The experience planted a seed of an interest in Andes. Since that faithful year, I have always been infatuated with the region and working in it. My passion drove me to do just that this past summer. My family had no experience to help us through this challenge, but we came together and tried our best. Traveling and working abroad was a completely new experience that required the use of all the life experience I had. Be it daily tasks or living in a new culture, aspects of my upbringing I forgot about came forward and guided me through. We all have these blueprints inside and can successfully travel abroad; we just need to take the chance."

Katelyn Abroad

"I identify as a Christian and first generation student at UWL. I am passionate about the environment and animals. I decided to major in Recreation Management with an outdoor emphasis and minor in environmental studies. I always thought it would be an amazing experience to study abroad but never thought I would do it till I saw a poster advertising for Tanzania that showed the safari with the wild animals. Once I saw those animals I was hooked and knew I had to go. Being a first generation student though meant I had to figure out how to do this (financially and sign up) because it was all new to me. I studied abroad for two and a half weeks in Tanzania and I learned so much from the culture, experiences, and the people. I tried new foods (all delicious), new activities (seaweed farming) and met so many nice people. Studying abroad took me out of my comfort zone but brought me so much closer to finding who I am and what I love. I highly recommend just taking a leap of faith because you won’t regret it and UWL helps prepare you with everything to know."

Katelyn in Tanzania

Anna in Australia

"I identify as a female and a Christian student. Going into this experience I was excited to meet diverse students and learn about their backgrounds and lives. I am so grateful for this experience, I have truly made lifelong friends from all around the globe. It was challenging to leave my close friends and family, but being able to come home and share incredible stories about my journey made it worth it. I was able to meet a Presbyterian family that shared the same Christian beliefs as I do and they were so welcoming! It is daunting to be in a foreign country without knowing anyone, so meeting people that made me feel like family was indescribable and so comforting. I have grown so much as a person by studying abroad and would go back and do it all again. I was able to skydive, bungie jump, go scuba diving in the Great Barrier Reef and drive a Jeep along the ocean side! Anyone who is interested in studying abroad, just go for it! It is definitely worth it and it will change your life for the better. "

Events

3 to 4 p.m. Thu, Jan. 22 NSE Information Session Northern Exposure: Experience Alaska Through NSE
Multiple dates (42 upcoming) Education Abroad 101 Learn how you can study abroad/away!
3 to 4 p.m. Thu, Jan. 29 NSE Information Session NSE's Experiential and Field-Based Programs
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sun, Feb. 1 2026 Ice Fishing Outing Join IEE and UWL Campus Police
3 to 4 p.m. Thu, Feb. 5 NSE Information Session Step Into the Legacy: Exciting NSE Opportunities at HBCUs

News

Nicole Gullekson uses Fulbright Scholarship to enhance knowledge and expand student opportunities. Living and learning abroad Posted 12:14 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025 UWL’s Nicole Gullekson bridges cultures, strengthens partnerships during semester in Slovakia Read more about Living and learning abroad Emily Taylor My travels to Croatia Posted 4:02 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025 Student shares summer study abroad experience Read more about My travels to Croatia UWL's International Education & Engagement Office has received the 2025 Academic Staff Program Excellence Award, in recognition of their efforts to create global connections at UWL. A global impact Posted 9:36 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025 International Education & Engagement receives 2025 Academic Staff Program Excellence Award Read more about A global impact Lauryn Wiesman is starting her senior year at UWL in the fall. She is majoring in Spanish education and teaching English to speakers of other languages. Building a future with bilingualism Posted 1:31 p.m. Tuesday, June 17, 2025 Wiesman prepares to teach and support English learners with heart and fluency Read more about Building a future with bilingualism Kaaviyashri Saraboji is a first-year graduate student from India studying software engineering. She won UWL's Annual 3 Minute Grad Project competition in March for her presentation on AI-Driven System to Prevent Animal-Vehicle Collisions. Nature-inspired innovation Posted 10:56 a.m. Thursday, May 15, 2025 Graduate student uses AI to tackle animal-vehicle collisions Read more about Nature-inspired innovation
More news