Diversity and Identity

All students are encouraged to participate in a study abroad experience during their time at USC. Studying abroad is a wonderful opportunity for change and growth. Overseas Studies is committed to supporting you so that you have a fulfilling experience abroad.

As rewarding as studying abroad can be, it is not without challenges. You may be perceived differently abroad from how you are perceived in the U.S. Study abroad can impact your self-identity in new and interesting ways. Your classmates may also experience related impacts and challenges. You can help ease adjustment to your host country by learning about the culture beforehand. Think about how you self-identify at home and how those identities define who you are in the U.S. and/or in your home country. Next, think about how your identities may play out while abroad. Think about your expectations and the questions you may encounter about your identity. The information below will help you explore study abroad in relation to your identity and that of your fellow Trojans.

How to prepare yourself:

  • Read about the host country’s history, culture, laws, and demographics. Make sure you are reading information from valid sources.
  • Connect with our study abroad student ambassadors. They can provide valuable information about their experiences abroad.
  • Program evaluations: read through past student evaluations, as they often include information about whether or not students received any negative treatment in relation to their ethnicity, race, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, religion, or political beliefs. Program evaluation binders can be found in our office.
  • Make use of online resources that offer advice and personal narratives, such as blogs written by other students/travelers and books related to social identities and diversity abroad. While everyone’s experience is different, these resources may give you a sense of what to expect while living in another country.
  • Host institution: study abroad program providers such as CIEE, IES and SIT often have information about identity abroad on their websites, and many partner universities have offices or other resources related to diversity and identity.
  • Travel guides: many commonly used travel guides, such as Lonely Planet, will include country-specific information for travelers from diverse backgrounds. Many travel guides can be found online.

USC Resources:

General Resources:

  • State Department Students Abroad
  • IES Abroad Student Blogs – Browse blog entries by different categories such as: cultural immersion, first gen, LGBTQ+, mental health, race & ethnicity, etc.
  • Diversity Abroad – Overseas Studies partners with the leading organization supporting students from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds in study abroad, Diversity Abroad. The organization’s website includes information and resources for racial & ethnic minority students, low income students, LGBTQ students, heritage seekers, students with disabilities, female students, religious diversity abroad and first generation college students.
  • CIEE City-Specific Resources for Studying Abroad – Local CIEE staff have provided details about conditions and cultural attitudes that students with specific identities might encounter at their location.

  • Studying abroad allows military-affiliated students to expand their understanding of the world, broaden perspectives and experience new cultures. A global experience can enhance what they are learning in ROTC or have already learned in military service.

    Things to think about

    • ROTC – Do you need permission from your commanding officer for a semester abroad?
    • ROTC – Is there any required course for ROTC that you need to take the semester you plan to study abroad, can you take it online, and how can you correctly enroll in that course and well as the study abroad courses?  (This usually is not a problem.)
    • Veterans – Can you use your GI Bill funding for study abroad? If so, are you limited to specific programs?
    • How is the military in general viewed in your host country? The U.S. military?
    • How will you respond if people have negative views of the military.

    Resources

  • With advanced planning, studying abroad can be academically, personally and professionally rewarding. It offers a chance to seek new opportunities, broaden your perspective and meet people who are different from you. You will gain a new perspective on how other cultures treat people with differing abilities.

    The accommodations offered abroad may vary from what you are accustomed to in the U.S. As you explore programs, it is important to research the type of accommodations and support available at varying programs. It is best to explore several programs of interest before settling on one.

    Make the most of your time abroad by choosing the program best suited for you. Consider the following:

    • If you are currently registered with USC’s OSAS office, speak with them about your intention to study abroad and ask for resources and their guidance.
    • Speak with a study abroad advisor about any accommodations needed abroad and disclose those needs to your study abroad program early so that appropriate and reasonable accommodations can be made in advance.

    Additionally, perceptions and the ways in which people interact with you may differ from what you are accustomed to in the United States.

    Things to think about

    • Not every country will have the same type of access and resources as the U.S. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a U.S. law and foreign institutions are not bound by it. Be flexible and open to different ways of receiving support. You may find that the resources and accommodations abroad may be better, less robust or the similar to those in the U.S.
    • Perceptions and the way you may be treated may different from what you are used to the U.S. It is important to research your host country and how people there view differing abilities, as this may help guide you towards particular programs that would be a better fit.
    • How does your host country address physical mobility and/or invisible disabilities (e.g. learning disabilities, ADHD)?
    • If you are considering studying abroad in a country where English is not the dominant language, think about how you will talk about your needs in that language.
    • What type of support will you need abroad? Start by listing your current accommodations and think about which ones you can be flexible with and which ones are required. Is there a community abroad that you can tap in to?
    • Can your study abroad program/host university accommodate your needs?
    • What is the physical landscape of where you will be going?
    • How is the learning environment different?
    • What type of transportation is available?

    Resources

  • Studying abroad is a challenging, yet rewarding, experience that we encourage you to consider taking part in while at USC. While you may be apprehensive about venturing to a location that you, perhaps, know relatively little about, students often report that studying abroad was one of the most enriching and unique experiences of their college career. You gain global competence, cross-cultural understanding and learn new ways to approach your field of study while satisfying academic requirements.

    Learn about the study abroad process from start to end. The more prepared you are, the more successful you will be. A deep understanding of the process will help you clearly explain it and its academic importance to your family. Our office, along with the First Gen Student Success Office, is here to help. Once you have decided to study abroad, embrace the process and take ownership of it. This is your experience and you can ensure success by planning early, reading all materials, meeting deadlines and doing your research. Overseas Studies staff are here to help guide you from start to end.

    Things to think about

    • Cost – How much does it cost? Are there scholarships available? How will your financial aid work?
    • Family – How will you explain your plan to study abroad to your family and friends and garner support?
    • Academic fit – Will you get the credit that you need to graduate ?
    • Outcomes – What skills will you gain abroad? Can you do research abroad? Intern?
    • How much support will you have before and during your time abroad?
    • What documents will you need to study abroad?
    • Are there other first-gen students that you can talk to who have already studied abroad?
    • Visit our First-Gen study info page for detailed information on these concerns.

    Resources

    • USC First Gen Plus Success Center
    • I’m First — video testimonials from first-gen students and graduates from across the country
    • USC Overseas Studies Study Abroad Ambassadors – our student ambassadors are here to talk with you about their time abroad.

  • (Re)connecting to one’s culture and ancestry can be very enriching, but it can also be bring out a wide range of feelings, so it’s important to embark on the experience with an open mind. Your connection to the culture will give you a unique perspective that other students will not have. While you may encounter challenges other students don’t, you should do your best to go without any expectations or preconceived ideas of how things will be. On the other hand, locals may have preconceived notions or expectations that apply to heritage students but not other study abroad students. Your sense of belonging to that country/place may be challenged by locals who see you as an outsider. This can result in a variety of emotions.

    Things to think about

    • Reflect on why you have decided to go abroad and think about what you hope to gain personally from this experience?
    • If you meet family, what are you expecting from them? What if they expect or ask for gifts/ money/favors?
    • What kind of extra expectations might be placed on you because of your connection to the host country?
    • Will your language ability or accent be under additional scrutiny, and if so, how will you handle that?

    Resources

  • Study abroad is for everyone and we encourage you to consider making it a part of your time at USC. This is an opportunity for academic, professional and, above all, personal growth. Studying abroad forces you to look deeper into your own identity and provides insight on how other countries and cultures view differing sexual and gender identities.

    The overall legal and social climate towards LGBTQIA+ individuals varies from country to country. Attitudes can vary from city to city and neighborhood to neighborhood. Research program locations to learn more about local attitudes.

    Consider the level and type of support you access here on campus and how you can create a support network abroad. Research student groups, clubs, organizations, or other resources available in your host city. Keep in mind that your program/university may have additional resources.

    Housing options vary by program, from homestay, to dorm, apartment or having to find your own housing. If your program requires you to fill out a housing questionnaire, we encourage you to be as open as possible. Our partners use the questionnaires to find the best fit for each student.

    Things to think about

    • What are the laws surrounding LGBTQIA+ people in your host country?
    • What are the attitudes towards different sexual orientations and gender identities in the country you plan to go?
    • Are there resources that you can access or a supportive network/community locally?
    • Are there safety concerns that you should consider?
    • Are there specific health care resources that you will need to access and are they available?

    Resources

  • Your time abroad may be both exciting and challenging. It is important that you start to prepare for a new environment and a new routine. We encourage you to speak with a counselor before going abroad and a study abroad advisor to discuss the needs you may have and what resources may be available to you while abroad. Discuss coping strategies, medications, and how much time you will be abroad with your therapist or counselor. Keep in mind that every country addresses mental health differently. You should feel confident that you know whom to contact should you need assistance. Additionally, we encourage you to speak with our study abroad ambassadors about their time abroad and discuss any mental health strategies or resources they utilized.

    Things to think about

    • What will be your action plan if you notice a negative shift in your mental health?
    • If you are studying abroad in a foreign language, can you discuss your mental health in that language? Do you know particular vocabulary words?
    • Will you have access to counseling and therapy abroad?
    • If you like the outdoors, will there be green space nearby?
    • Can you bring my medications? Are there any limitations?
    • Are you mentally prepared to go abroad and live somewhere else for four or more months?
    • How will you keep in touch with friends/family at home?
    • What types of things do you like to do at home to keep you grounded? Can you find those things abroad?
    • Look up climate charts for your host city. How might the climate in the study abroad location affect your mood and overall mental health?
    • Is the next semester perhaps not really the best time for you to study abroad? Would it perhaps be better to do a short-term program rather than a full semester or year abroad?

    Resources

  • Study abroad is for everyone and we encourage you to consider making it apart of your time at USC. This is an opportunity for academic, professional and above all, personal growth. Studying abroad forces you to look deeper into one’s own identity and it provides an opportunity for you to learn how other cultures view race and ethnicity.

    The way in which people in other countries view race and ethnicity may be very different from what you are accustomed to in the U.S. or your home country. Issues that our country has faced and continue to face may not be viewed as relevant by locals where you will be going. On the other hand, it may be so. You may have people make assumptions about you based on your physical appearance. People may be curious about you and where you are from. They may ask or say inappropriate or insensitive things. You may find yourself in situations in which you feel you are being treated differently based on your race or ethnicity. It is important to do your research and inform yourself on what you may encounter abroad. It will be helpful to have an idea of the varying perspectives that you may experience.

    We want you to have an enriching and positive experience abroad so we encourage you to think about the following and talk to your study abroad advisor if you have any questions or concerns. We have provided additional resources for you below.

    Things to think about

    • Are there any safety concerns you should know about?
    • How do you identify yourself? How might your ethnicity/race be perceived in your host country?
    • What kind of experiences have past students had?
    • How can you differentiate between curiosity and bad intentions?
    • How might the intersection of your identities, including your racial and ethnic identity, affect your time abroad?
    • Who can you reach out to back in the U.S. and in your host country if you need someone to talk to about your experiences or other assistance?
    • Are there other students that you can talk to about their experiences abroad?

    Resources

  • Studying abroad can be a wonderful chance to learn about different religions and spiritual practices and to share yours with those who are interested. It is important, before you go abroad, to research the major religion(s) in your host country and attitudes about differing religions. If you will be living in a homestay, mention any religious practices that are important to you to maintain while abroad on the housing questionnaire to assist the housing coordinator in finding a suitable placement that will be tolerant of your religious practices.

    Things to think about

    • Do you plan on practicing your religion abroad? How will you do so?
    • Are there any laws regarding religion?
    • Is it safe for you to wear religious symbols?
    • Will your religious practices be accepted?
    • Are there any resources or organizations available in your host country/program/institution?

    Resources

  • The way women are viewed around the world can vary greatly from what you are accustomed to in your home country. Attitudes in your host country may vary by region, generation, etc. You may encounter attitudes, expectations, and behaviors that you are not accustomed to. Women may be perceived differently by men in your host country than in your home country, and such perceptions may be related things such as how your carry yourself, how you dress, and nonverbal communication (e.g. facial expressions, body language, amount of distance maintained). Keep in mind that what we deem to be acceptable in the U.S. may not be the same abroad. In order to have an enriching experience and enhance your personal safety, it’s important to research the societal norms around gender relations in your host country.

    Things to think about

    • How do men and women socialize with each other in the host country?
    • Are there any safety considerations you should be aware of?
    • How do women in the host country handle unwanted gender-based attention?
    • How might different types of attire and nonverbal communication be perceived?
    • How is dating similar or different?
    • Who can you reach out to in your host country for assistance if needed?
    • What are some areas of concern that previous students faced?

    Resources

    • Diversity Abroad: This website provides tips for first generation students on how to best prepare for studying abroad; includes advice, scholarship information, student testimonials, and more.
    • Her Own Way is filled with practical tips specifically of interest to the female traveler (from the Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade).
    • JourneyWoman – Travel tips geared toward women, including everything from personal travel stories to what to wear.
    • USC Office for Equity, Equal Opportunity and Title IX
    • USC RSVP – Relationship, Sexual Violence Prevention and Services