Identity Abroad

Social identities define and shape how we view ourselves and how others see us. The Office of Global affairs acknowledges that a student’s identity plays a large role in their study abroad experience. In order to prepare students and faculty for study abroad experiences, it is imperative that individuals reflect on the fluidity of their identity. When students study abroad, their race or ethnicity will not change, but the context with which you students identify will likely change. Students may suddenly find themselves in the minority, or the majority, and this may be unfamiliar to them. For example, if a student identifies as Latinx, they may already understand what is like to navigate in a system in which they're viewed as the minority in the US. But what if they study abroad in Mexico? Will they still be perceived as a minority? How will that feel for that student?   

Here are some other factors to consider when preparing to study abroad:  

• Perceptions made about you are going to be based upon cultural norms of your host country. How will you be seen through the cultural lens of your host country?  

• How might your social identity benefit you while you’re abroad? For example:  

• If you identify as a minority in the US, you may have experience being treated differently compared to others. That has given you a set of skills to cope and thrive, and you can draw upon those while you’re abroad.  

• If you’re from a family of immigrants and you’ve seen people work to navigate the US while learning a new language, you likely have some adaptability and problem-solving skills that will really come in handy while abroad. 

Resources

• Students of Color Abroad: View questions, tips and recommendations about how to prepare for your study abroad experience from Diversity Abroad, an organization that aims to equip the next generation of young people from traditionally marginalized and underrepresented backgrounds be equipped with the skills, experiences and networks to thrive. 

• Center for Equity and Inclusion: The Center for Equity and Inclusion enhances the holistic education of all students by supporting the success of historically marginalized groups, empowering community members to engage difference toward justice, and build a more equitable campus.

• AllAbroad: View information and resources about studying abroad as a whole from AllAbroad.

Do you identify as the first in your family to attend/graduate from college? If so, you are a part of the 54% of students on campus that identify as First Gen! We understand that First Gen students are still learning to navigate the college landscape. It may seem daunting to even consider studying abroad when a college campus seems unfamiliar or foreign. Our office aims to help you learn how to use the skills you already have and resources on campus to make study abroad possible!

First Gen Studying Abroad at UW Tacoma 

• In 2022-2023, 41% of study abroad participants identified as First Gen.

• Every quarter, the Office of Global Affairs hosts a Study Abroad 101 information session in collaboration with the First Gen Fellows program. Be sure to sign up for our newsletter to attend this session! Students can also join First Gen Fellows every quarter and receive a book scholarship for participating!

Resources

• First Generation Initiatives: First Generation Initiatives at UW Tacoma provides programs and services to support first-generation students to successfully transition into college life. They provide opportunities for academic and personal success, including study abroad, for all our First-Gen students on campus. Please contact First Generation Initiatives at firstgen@uw.edu for more information about how First-Generation Initiatives can support you. 

• First Generations Student Study Abroad Guide: Check out this guide that explores what it means to be First Gen and studying abroad.  

• Diversity Abroad: Diversity Abroad has a variety of articles designed to help students explore their First Gen identity abroad.   

We understand that some students may feel that their apparent and nonapparent disabilities will keep them from studying abroad. The Office of Global Affairs aims to create inclusive experiences for all UW Tacoma students. We work closely with Disability Resources for Students to ensure that everyone has a successful study abroad experience, which starts with careful communication and planning during the pre-departure process.  

We ask students to keep in mind that unlike the United States, many countries do not legally require accommodations for persons with disabilities. We encourage students to learn more about accessibility in their country(ies) of interest and to reach out to us at uwtintl@uw.edu with questions or concerns.  

Accessibility in Study Abroad at UW Tacoma  

• Susan Casey, an alumna who studied abroad in Rome, Italy in 2018, shares her experience working with Disability Resources for Students and the Office of Global Affairs as she prepared for her study abroad experience. She says, "DRS is there to help. If you qualify for DRS services, then you qualify for DRS services while studying abroad. Both OGA and DRS staff are there to help you and have your best interest in mind. They want this to be a positive experience for you!".    

• In 2022-2023, 11% of study abroad participants were registered with DRS.

Resources

• Disability Resource for Students (DRS): The UW Tacoma Disability Resource for Students center is dedicated to ensuring access and inclusion for all students with disabilities. Any enrolled student at UW Tacoma who has an appropriately documented physical, emotional, or mental disability that substantially limits one or more major life activities (including walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning and working), is eligible for services from DRS. The Office of Global Affairs works closely with DRS to support students as they prepare for study abroad. Contact uwtintl@uw.edu to learn more about the disability accommodations you may utilize while studying abroad.  

• Mobility International USA: This resource provides accessibility guidance and country specific information for travelers with disabilities. Search by disability, destination, audience, etc. in order to gain a better understanding, read personal stories, and devise a strategy for your planned experience abroad. 

In the Office of Global Affairs, we welcome and support DACA students to participate in study abroad programs. DACA recipients may study abroad by applying for Advance Parole. There is a $575 application fee and normal processing time for Advance Parole is up to 6 months so please plan accordingly. Applicants for Advance Parole must have already applied to their study abroad program and, if possible, provide a copy of their acceptance letter in their application. 

If a DACA recipient is not granted Advance Parole and is unable to study abroad, they may apply for an study abroad emergency withdrawal, which if granted, would allow the student to withdraw from a study abroad program without having to pay some or all of their study abroad program fees. For more information about this, please email uwtintl@uw.edu. Although we cannot give legal advice, we encourage students to use the resources below to learn about the risks and rewards in applying for Advance Parole prior to making a decision about studying abroad.  

Resources  

• Students are now able to receive free 40-minute legal consultations through Student Legal Services (SLS)! SLS may be able to provide advice regarding applying to Advance Parole. 

• As a part of UW Tacoma’s Undocumented Initiatives program, students may receive funding for the advance parole fee. Please submit a request using the Emergency Aid Request form. 

• Northwest Immigrant Rights Project 

• If you are interested in speaking with other students with a similar status, feel free to reach out UWT Monarchs, an RSO dedicated to serving undocumented students. Contact uwtmonarchs@uw.edu for more information. 

• Traveling on Advance Parole: A Guide for DACA Recipients 

• Advanced Parole Applications via US Citizenship and Immigration Services 

Scholarships 

The scholarships below do not require you to be a citizen to apply: 

• OGA Study Abroad Scholarship 

• IIGE Study Abroad Award 

• The Fund for Education Abroad awards are intended to support students in high-quality, rigorous education abroad programs. Students applying for semester, summer, or full year programs may apply. Groups typically underrepresented in study abroad, such as minority students, first-generation college students, and STEM majors, are encouraged to apply. 

International students CAN study abroad. In fact, studying abroad is cheaper for international students than taking classes on campus. Rather than paying out-of-state tuition, they pay a program fee, which is similar to the cost of in-state tuition.  

Resources

• International Student & Scholar Services: International students can reach out to ISSS to learn more about studying abroad as an international student. 

Scholarships  

The scholarships below do not require you to be a U.S. citizen to apply:

• OGA Study Abroad Scholarship 

• IIGE Study Abroad Award 

• The Fund for Education Abroad awards are intended to support students in high-quality, rigorous education abroad programs. Students applying for semester, summer, or full year programs may apply. Groups typically underrepresented in study abroad, such as minority students, first-generation college students, and STEM majors, are encouraged to apply. 

Studying abroad offers a unique perspective when exploring your host country’s religion, spirituality, and cultural identity. Through various societies where religion can be intricately woven into the locals’ everyday life, students are able to gain firsthand insight in how a different belief system shape communities and individuals. We invite students to research the religious landscape of their host country and reflect the ways your own religious or spiritual identity could be impacted during this global experience. By being prepared, it may foster meaningful engagement while navigating own personal identity on your study abroad experience.

Before departing, you may want to consider these questions:

• What is the dominant religion in my host country? Will I be part of the religious majority or minority abroad?
• How tolerant of other religions is the host society? Is there tolerance for atheists and agnostics?
• How will it feel to me when I participate in course-related excursions to sites of worship?
• Is it realistic for me to continue to practice my religion abroad in the same way I practice it at home or on campus? Are there any adjustments I am willing to make? 
• Will religious dietary be accommodated in my host country? Am I open to living in a household with a different religious background than mine in a homestay?

Resources

• UW Religious Accommodations Policy
• Religious Diversity Abroad: Provides tips and advice to consider when navigating your religious journey abroad. 

There are diverse attitudes towards women travelers worldwide, influencing destinations choices and shaping experiences. By understanding the importance of delving into cultural nuances, including gender norms/stereotypes, local colloquialisms, and even religious aspects, will help navigate effectively in your host country. We encourage students to engage with these multifaceted aspects to broaden their cultural awareness but also understand ways their identity intertwines 

Before departing, you may want to consider these questions:

• What types of gender roles exist in my host country?
• What are the stereotypes that exist in the locations that I am traveling to?
• How are women treated or viewed? How are men treated or viewed?
• What are some expectations of the culture from both men and women in my host country?

Resources

• Women Going Abroad: Diversity Abroad explores traditional gender roles and attitudes toward woman around the globe.
• Women Travelers: The U.S. State Department provides information, tips and what to expects as a woman traveling abroad.
• Women’s Travel Guide: A safe-travel guide for women traveling abroad.

Veterans and military-affiliated students can leverage their benefits, such as post-9/11 GI Bill, to pursue various study abroad programs as veterans and military-affiliated students bring unique perspectives shaped by their service. It is important to check in early with the Veteran and Military Resource Center to ensure that you are able to use your benefits for study abroad. Typically, the VA will only cover programs that include courses that meet degree requirements and are considered faculty-led programs. You will also need confirmation from academic advisors that any chosen study abroad programs meet your degree requirements. 

Resources

• UWT Veteran & Military Resource Center
  • Apply for VA Benefits : Please check with OGA & VRMC when considering studying abroad through UW Seattle & Bothell campuses!
• UW Scholarships for Military Affiliated Students

Scholarships

• Gillman-McCain Scholarship: The John S. McCain International Scholarship for Military Families (Gilman-McCain Scholarship) provides awards of $5,000 for child and spousal dependents of active or activated United States military personnel during the time of application.

Balancing family, work, and other responsibilities, non-traditional student (individuals who pursue higher education at a later stage in life) may view studying abroad to be daunting and not accessible. Nevertheless, studying abroad presents an invaluable opportunity for personal and professional growth. We encourage students to explore short term programs, connect with previous non-traditional study abroad participants, and engage with the Office of Global Affairs so we can better support your study abroad journey.

Resources

• GoOverseas: Considerations for Non-Traditional Students to Study Abroad
• GoAbroad: Insight about studying abroad for non-traditional students.
• Diversity Abroad: Must Ask Questions for Adult Students Traveling Abroad 

Studying abroad offers a platform for LGBTQ+ individuals to engage with a diverse global perspective on identity and rights. Recognizing the various landscapes of LGBTQ+ experiences worldwide, is crucial to research and learn the cultural attitudes and legal frameworks in potential host countries. We encourage students to delve into nuances of norms, laws, and colloquialism to ensure a respectful and safe experience abroad. As this is a wonderful opportunity to affirm and celebrate your identities on a global stage.

Campus Sources:

• UW Seattle “The Q Center”: Available to meet one-on-one with Q Center staff to discuss and answer questions related to navigating LGBTQ identities when studying abroad.

Outside Sources:

• IES Abroad: LGBTQ+ & Ally Resources
• Unpacked – A Study Abroad Guide for Students Like Me: Online resource containing stories written by students about LGBTQ+ community abroad.
• Michigan State University: Tips for LGBTQ Students Abroad.

Scholarships:

• Rainbow Scholarship: For LGBTQ+ student who aim to participate in an undergraduate study abroad.