- International Students & Scholars
The racial and ethnic demographics of each country around the world can be very different from what we are used to in the United States. While you may be a part of a underrepresented racial or ethnic demographic in the U.S., you may be a part of the majority racial or ethnic group in your host country - or vice versa.
Because of this, having resources and support to understand your own positionality as well as the context of your host country can be beneficial to having a successful experience abroad.
Questions to consider:
- What are the racial, ethnic and national demographics in the country in which I am planning to study or intern?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Is it a largely homogeneous society? Will local people be familiar with my racial or ethnic identity?
- How will my racial or ethnic identity be perceived in my host country/city? Am I comfortable with disclosing my identity to others?
- Are there historical instances of racial or ethnic tensions in my host country? How might that affect my experience there?
- If there are few other students on my program who share my racial or ethnic identity, how will that impact my experience?
- What support systems exist on-site for me? Who can I go to if I experience racially- or ethnically-motivated discrimination?
Tips from the Education Abroad Office:
- Research your host location: Knowledge is a powerful tool! Knowing what to expect in your host location can help you feel better equipped to handle daily life on-site. If you anticipate that your racial or ethnic identity will not be well-represented in your host location, see if you can find local community groups to connect with.
- Having that knowledge can also help you feel more equipped to handle any instances of discrimination, prejudice, or misunderstanding. While you don't need to be on high alert for these things at all times, it is helpful to be prepared.
- Seek out support: Build a support network in your host country and maintain connections at home. Having trusted contacts can help navigate racial/ethnic dynamics and cope with isolation or culture shock.
- Set your boundaries: In racially/ethnically homogeneous areas, you may experience curiosity from locals. This is usually well-intentioned, but if it makes you uncomfortable, assert your boundaries politely.
- Understand shifting privileges: Your level of privilege and access may change depending on your destination. While you may not perceive yourself as being in a position of privilege at home, members of your host country may view you as affluent or of high social status due to your ability to travel and pursue international educational opportunities.
- It may be frustrating to be misunderstood, but take a moment to consider the power and privilege dynamics of your host country before becoming defensive.
- Hair care considerations: If you have textured hair, finding experienced stylists or salons abroad may be challenging. Seek recommendations from locals with similar hair textures or research advice online. Additionally, you may want to pack your preferred hair products before departure in case they are not available in your host country.
Resources:
The racial and ethnic demographics of each country around the world can be very different from what we are used to in the United States. While you may be a part of a underrepresented racial or ethnic demographic in the U.S., you may be a part of the majority racial or ethnic group in your host country - or vice versa.
Because of this, having resources and support to understand your own positionality as well as the context of your host country can be beneficial to having a successful experience abroad.
Questions to consider:
- What are the racial, ethnic and national demographics in the country in which I am planning to study or intern?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Is it a largely homogeneous society? Will local people be familiar with my racial or ethnic identity?
- How will my racial or ethnic identity be perceived in my host country/city? Am I comfortable with disclosing my identity to others?
- Are there historical instances of racial or ethnic tensions in my host country? How might that affect my experience there?
- If there are few other students on my program who share my racial or ethnic identity, how will that impact my experience?
- What support systems exist on-site for me? Who can I go to if I experience racially- or ethnically-motivated discrimination?
Tips from the Education Abroad Office:
- Research your host location: Knowledge is a powerful tool! Knowing what to expect in your host location can help you feel better equipped to handle daily life on-site. If you anticipate that your racial or ethnic identity will not be well-represented in your host location, see if you can find local community groups to connect with.
- Having that knowledge can also help you feel more equipped to handle any instances of discrimination, prejudice, or misunderstanding. While you don't need to be on high alert for these things at all times, it is helpful to be prepared.
- Seek out support: Build a support network in your host country and maintain connections at home. Having trusted contacts can help navigate racial/ethnic dynamics and cope with isolation or culture shock.
- Set your boundaries: In racially/ethnically homogeneous areas, you may experience curiosity from locals. This is usually well-intentioned, but if it makes you uncomfortable, assert your boundaries politely.
- Understand shifting privileges: Your level of privilege and access may change depending on your destination. While you may not perceive yourself as being in a position of privilege at home, members of your host country may view you as affluent or of high social status due to your ability to travel and pursue international educational opportunities.
- It may be frustrating to be misunderstood, but take a moment to consider the power and privilege dynamics of your host country before becoming defensive.
- Hair care considerations: If you have textured hair, finding experienced stylists or salons abroad may be challenging. Seek recommendations from locals with similar hair textures or research advice online. Additionally, you may want to pack your preferred hair products before departure in case they are not available in your host country.
Resources:
The Pennsylvania State University 2023
410 Boucke Building, University Park, PA 16802