ISEP believes that study abroad is a deeply transformative and rewarding experience that should be accessible and available to all. Our team is dedicated to making sure students of all backgrounds feel like they have the resources they need to feel confident as they embark on a cross-cultural experience. We have compiled a list of identity-related resources to consider below to feel prepared as you navigate life in a new culture.
ISEP understands that each student has their own unique considerations before departing on their program, and that you may be seeking additional forms of support. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your experience abroad, please contact your ISEP Student Services Officer who is available to help you before, during, and after your program.
RESOURCES
Advising Resources
A list of program options based off of identity considerations.
Health, Safety, and Risk ManagementLearn more about ISEP’s resources for health and safety abroad.
Country HandbooksOur country handbooks provide an overview of what to expect abroad in your host country.
Culture & Diversity Destination GuidesA variety of travel guides for specific countries. The Diversity & Inclusion Climate section provides information on how certain identities might be seen or treated in that country.
Global Equity and Inclusion GuidelinesThese are the gold standard for international inclusion guidelines and are supplemented by a range of member only options for Diversity Abroad.
Financial Resources
Learn more about the scholarships that ISEP offers.
Fund for Education AbroadThese are financial resources for Under-Represented Students in US Study Abroad and the available funds change every year.
Other Ways to Fund Study AbroadThis page offers more information about popular ways that ISEP students have funded their study abroad experiences.
ISEP Budgeting ToolsUse ISEP’s budgeting resources to determine the total cost of your study abroad experience.
Travel Costs Around the WorldIf you plan to travel to other countries during breaks or on weekends, use this budgeting tool to determine the average costs for travelers to a specific destinations.
Currency Rate ExchangesThis tool will allow you to determine exchange rates for the location you will be studying abroad.
MintWhile abroad, we recommend using money manager platforms like Mint to help manage expenses and plan savings for trips.
Indigenous Student Resources
American Indian education fund, information for Native Americans.
Center for Native American YouthCenter for Native American Youth, programs focused on education, social engagement, and support for students.
World Conference On Indigenous PeoplesThe indigenous students’ education conference is held every year and gathers indigenous students from all over the world.
LGBTQ+ Student Resources
An interactive map of the world that uses crowd-sourced survey data to report on the level of safety and progressive legislation regarding LGBTQ+ identities.
13 Member ISEP institutions ranked as best colleges for LGBTQ+ studentsA listing of 13 ISEP members who ranked on the American Ranking System, Campus Pride, as the best places for LGBTQ+ students to study, based on level of comfort, amount of resources, and advocacy networks.
GLAAD Media Reference Guide - TransgenderThis is a glossary of terms to aid with the understanding of transgender and nonbinary identities.
GlobalGayz - TransgenderGlobalGayz is a travel and culture website focused on LGBT-Gay life worldwide.
Explaining Gender Queer to those who are notThis is an explanation of the term “genderqueer” and how that may apply to non-binary gender identities.
Transgender Travel ConsiderationsThe Transgender equality center focuses on compiling resources for transgender individuals who are interested in being abroad.
The Global Divide on HomosexualityA report from the Pew Research Center, highlights 39 countries’ cultural attitudes toward homosexuality.
LGBTQ+ Safety GuideA full comprehensive guide on considerations that LGBTQ+ individuals should take while traveling, including strategies to come out while abroad.
NAFSA Rainbow Special Interest GroupThe website has resources for professionals in the field and for students. The group has a newsletter, organizes events and shares articles. They offer scholarships and information about other scholarships for LGBTQ+ students.
Outright Action InternationalThis organization works on LGBTIQ advocacy and research in 6 regions of the world. They organize webinars and have the previous webinars registered and accessible on the website.
Barcelona LGTBI CenterMunicipal and public facility that provides information, advice and direct assistance services on sexual and gender diversity for the LGBTQ+ community in Barcelona.
ILGA WorldAnother map with sexual orientation laws in the world. Its published every year with data collected from the State Sponsor Homophobia report.
Students with Visible and Invisible Disabilities
This organization works to empower people with disabilities to have international exchange and international development experiences. There a many resources on the website to support professionals and also US American students going abroad or international students going to the US.
US State Department: Traveling with DisabilitiesInformation from the US State Department for students traveling with disabilities
The Global Access FilesOrganization created by a US American with a disability who studied abroad. Provides practical resources for professionals and travelers with disabilities to handle disability-related issues while abroad.
Wheelchair TravelGuides and advice for accessible wheelchair traveling.
Maximizing Support for Students with Disabilities in Study AbroadDiversity Abroad’s guide for supporting students with disabilities.
Race and Ethnic Diversity
A short guide on how to take care of Black hair while abroad.
Black Students Study Abroad: The Good, The Bad and The WeirdAn overview of what to expect and consider as a Black traveler and student abroad.
Studying Abroad As A MinorityThings to consider for minority group members who study outside of the U.S.
Culture and Diversity Destination GuideA variety of travel guides for specific countries. The Diversity & Inclusion Climate section provides information on how certain identities might be seen or treated in that country.
Black and Abroad PodcastRecently recorded conversations about preparing for and undertaking study/travel abroad, and navigating Black identity outside the U.S.
Stamped PodcastStories of study abroad & transformational travel from people of color
Being Black InA platform for black travelers to share or learn about travel experiences
International Students and Experiences with Race in the United StatesThis article explores some of the scholarly and professional research on international student experiences navigating race (and ethnicity, to an extent) in the U.S. For students studying in the U.S., the section entitled “Coping and Thriving in American Higher Education and Society” may be particularly helpful.
YouTube Video: My Struggles as an International Student in the USA Nigerian students speaks about her experience as an international student studying in the U.S.
Letters for Black LivesLetters for Black Lives is a set of crowdsourced, multilingual, and culturally-aware resources aimed at creating a space for open and honest conversations about racial justice, police violence, and anti-Blackness in our families and communities.
First-Generation Students
This resource is from ISEP’s website and gives more information for parents about the study abroad process.
First-Generation Students Traveling AbroadInformation from Diversity Abroad for First-Generation students.
First-Generation Students Study Abroad GuideA guide from Go Abroad for First-Generation students.
First-Time Travelers
This article from Go Abroad outlines tips for traveling abroad for the first time.
Adjusting to a Different CultureTips for adjusting to a new and different culture.
Religious Identity
This resource includes questions to ask yourself about religion before going abroad.
International Religious Freedom ReportsThis report by the U.S. Department of State describes the status of religious freedom, government policies violating religious belief and practices of groups, religious denominations and individuals, and U.S. policies promoting religious freedom in nearly every country and territory throughout the world.
Roman Catholic Churches with Masses in EnglishA resource for finding Roman Catholic masses in English while abroad.
Muslims AbroadMuslims Abroad is an initiative to provide resources for Muslim students interested in going abroad.
How to Keep Halal While TravelingTips for eating Halal foods while traveling.
Halal TripYouTube video: Provides Halal travel places/ideas, Halal food/restaurants or travel Dua(s) such as Isthikhara dua.
KAHAL AbroadKAHAL empowers young Jewish travelers from around the world to explore Jewish identity through meaningful connection and exchange of experiences, values, and cultures.
7 Things to Know Before Studying Abroad as a Jewish StudentAdvice from a Jewish student about things to know before studying abroad.
5 Things Jewish College Students Wish They Knew Before Studying AbroadThings to keep in mind as a Jewish student before departing on your study abroad experience.
Tips and Challenges of Keeping Kosher While TravelingEight tips for keeping kosher while traveling.
Kosher Without BordersA YouTube channel that focuses on finding kosher options at home and abroad.