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Diversity Abroad

The Office of Global Programs provides support for all students interested in study abroad regardless of their race, color, sex, gender, religion, national origin, disability, veteran’s status, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status or other identities. We encourage students to ask their Study Abroad Advisor early in their advising meetings about conditions in various locations if they have questions about how individuals of various identities may be treated or perceived elsewhere.

Students of Color

Students identifying as people of color may encounter a wide range of attitudes about identity while abroad. Views on race and ethnicity vary widely among cultures across the globe, and it is important to understand what viewpoints exist in your host country before arriving. As with issues of LGBTQIA+ identities abroad, no one culture can be distilled to a single viewpoint—however, students of color should be aware that their identities may be interpreted very differently abroad than in the United States. The Office of Global Programs recommends the following resources for students of color wishing to research their host country’s views on race/ethnicity. Study Abroad Advisors at Whitman are ready and available to help students with further questions.

• Meaningful Travel Trips and Tales | African American Perspectives from GoAbroad.com (PDF)

LGBTQIA+ Students

Students of varied sex/gender identities may encounter different responses to their identities from people in their host culture abroad than in the United States. While no one culture’s views on sexuality and gender are monolithic, it is important to remember that national and cultural groups abroad have varied opinions about what is considered “acceptable” behavior.

Knowledge is power in these situations, and the Office of Global Programs highly encourages students to learn as much as they can about their host country’s sex/gender attitudes and politics before leaving the United States. Consider using the following resources to research your host country, and contact your Study Abroad Advisor for additional help and questions.