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

Identity Abroad

A list of program options based off of identity considerations.

Health, Safety, and Risk Management

Learn more about ISEP’s resources for health and safety abroad.

Country Handbooks

Our country handbooks provide an overview of what to expect abroad in your host country.

Culture & Diversity Destination Guides

A 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 Guidelines

These are the gold standard for international inclusion guidelines and are supplemented by a range of member only options for Diversity Abroad.

Financial Resources

ISEP Scholarships

Learn more about the scholarships that ISEP offers.

Fund for Education Abroad

These are financial resources for Under-Represented Students in US Study Abroad and the available funds change every year.

Other Ways to Fund Study Abroad

This page offers more information about popular ways that ISEP students have funded their study abroad experiences.

ISEP Budgeting Tools

Use ISEP’s budgeting resources to determine the total cost of your study abroad experience.

Travel Costs Around the World

If 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 Exchanges

This tool will allow you to determine exchange rates for the location you will be studying abroad.

Mint

While abroad, we recommend using money manager platforms like Mint to help manage expenses and plan savings for trips.

Indigenous Student Resources

Native Partnership

American Indian education fund, information for Native Americans.

Center for Native American Youth

Center for Native American Youth, programs focused on education, social engagement, and support for students.

World Conference On Indigenous Peoples

The indigenous students’ education conference is held every year and gathers indigenous students from all over the world.

LGBTQ+ Student Resources

EqualDex

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+ students

A 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 - Transgender

This is a glossary of terms to aid with the understanding of transgender and nonbinary identities.

GlobalGayz - Transgender

GlobalGayz is a travel and culture website focused on LGBT-Gay life worldwide.

Explaining Gender Queer to those who are not

This is an explanation of the term “genderqueer” and how that may apply to non-binary gender identities.

Transgender Travel Considerations

The Transgender equality center focuses on compiling resources for transgender individuals who are interested in being abroad.

The Global Divide on Homosexuality

A report from the Pew Research Center, highlights 39 countries’ cultural attitudes toward homosexuality.

LGBTQ+ Safety Guide

A full comprehensive guide on considerations that LGBTQ+ individuals should take while traveling, including strategies to come out while abroad.

NAFSA Rainbow Special Interest Group

The 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 International

This 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 Center

Municipal and public facility that provides information, advice and direct assistance services on sexual and gender diversity for the LGBTQ+ community in Barcelona.

ILGA World

Another 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

MIUSA

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 Disabilities

Information from the US State Department for students traveling with disabilities

The Global Access Files

Organization 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 Travel

Guides and advice for accessible wheelchair traveling.

Maximizing Support for Students with Disabilities in Study Abroad

Diversity Abroad’s guide for supporting students with disabilities.

Race and Ethnic Diversity

Managing Black Hair Abroad

A short guide on how to take care of Black hair while abroad.

Black Students Study Abroad: The Good, The Bad and The Weird

An overview of what to expect and consider as a Black traveler and student abroad.

Studying Abroad As A Minority

Things to consider for minority group members who study outside of the U.S.

Culture and Diversity Destination Guide

A 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 Podcast

Recently recorded conversations about preparing for and undertaking study/travel abroad, and navigating Black identity outside the U.S.

Stamped Podcast

Stories of study abroad & transformational travel from people of color

Being Black In

A platform for black travelers to share or learn about travel experiences

International Students and Experiences with Race in the United States

This 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 US

A Nigerian students speaks about her experience as an international student studying in the U.S.

Letters for Black Lives

Letters 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

Information for Parents

This resource is from ISEP’s website and gives more information for parents about the study abroad process.

First-Generation Students Traveling Abroad

Information from Diversity Abroad for First-Generation students.

First-Generation Students Study Abroad Guide

A guide from Go Abroad for First-Generation students.

First-Time Travelers

Tips for Traveling Abroad for the First Time

This article from Go Abroad outlines tips for traveling abroad for the first time.

Adjusting to a Different Culture

Tips for adjusting to a new and different culture.

Religious Identity

Religious Diversity Abroad

This resource includes questions to ask yourself about religion before going abroad.

International Religious Freedom Reports

This 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 English

A resource for finding Roman Catholic masses in English while abroad.

Muslims Abroad

Muslims Abroad is an initiative to provide resources for Muslim students interested in going abroad.

How to Keep Halal While Traveling

Tips for eating Halal foods while traveling.

Halal Trip

YouTube video: Provides Halal travel places/ideas, Halal food/restaurants or travel Dua(s) such as Isthikhara dua.

KAHAL Abroad

KAHAL 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 Student

Advice from a Jewish student about things to know before studying abroad.

5 Things Jewish College Students Wish They Knew Before Studying Abroad

Things to keep in mind as a Jewish student before departing on your study abroad experience.

Tips and Challenges of Keeping Kosher While Traveling

Eight tips for keeping kosher while traveling.

Kosher Without Borders

A YouTube channel that focuses on finding kosher options at home and abroad.