Race & Ethnicity Away
Whether you have never left the country or are earning your degree abroad right now, study away offers you the unique and exciting opportunity to learn about and interact with people of different cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives. In most cases, your interaction with locals will be among the most rewarding aspects of your experience away.
In some situations, your race, ethnicity, or other identity anchors may be interpreted differently than you are accustomed to in the U.S. and/or your home country. You may also encounter different cultural norms related to race and minority status, where racism and other forms of discrimination are performed, viewed, and addressed differently than you are used to. While you will undoubtedly be stretched in new ways, your time away will also be rewarding. Many students who study away have expressed surprise when their status as U.S. scholars becomes a more primary piece of their identity and they are welcomed as extraordinary students who have earned the right to study in the host country.
Depending on where you go, you may be redefining how nationals of your home country are perceived by our international counterparts. Diverse representation is vital in creating stronger global citizenship within the U.S. and the world at large.
THINGS TO CONSIDER:
There are many different factors for all students to consider when choosing a study away program. We encourage you to think seriously about program selection to ensure that academic and personal goals are met and to have a positive experience away. Below are some potential special considerations related to race and ethnicity away.
Climate in Your Host Country
When you consider potential destinations, take into consideration all facets of a culture, including possible racism and discrimination. Research the political, cultural and historical context of the country and region where you’ll be studying. Methods of overcoming discrimination in new locations can be similar to the methods you use at home. Finding new support groups and adjusting to a new comfort zone are important to having a fulfilling study away experience.
Visa Status
If you’re an international student considering exchange, connect with the Center for the Student Experience early on in your planning to discuss any impacts a term away may have on your visa status. We also recommend that you take a close look at the start and end dates for the term you plan to spend at your prospective host institution. Term dates at partner institutions don’t always line up with ArtCenter’s term schedule, which may make it necessary for you to take a term off after your exchange term.
Identity Away
Race and ethnic relations are culturally determined, which means that while you are away, you may be part of an ethnic minority for the first time in your life.
The ethnic identity you have always felt to be an integral part of yourself may be viewed in a completely different way in a new setting. If you are visiting a region where you have ethnic or racial roots:
You may be expected to behave according to the local norms in a way that your fellow students of a different background are not.
Perhaps you’ll be considered “American” first, and your ethnic or racial identity will be considered unimportant.
In many countries, there are homegrown ethnic or racial conflicts, and you may be identified with one group or another because of your physical appearance, until people get to know your identity.
It is unlikely that any of these situations will involve any threat of physical harm to you as a student away; however, you should prepare yourself for the situations you may encounter by researching the conditions in your host country.
Helpful Resources
ArtCenter Resources
Center for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:
ArtCenter’s Exchange and Study Away Office works closely with the Center for DEI in supporting students with identity concerns before, during, and after their time away. To set up an appointment, email them using the link above. ArtCenter’s counseling services are available to you before, during, and after your time away. If you are in need of support, use the link above to schedule an appointment. ArtCenter has a number of identity-focused student clubs including Antiracist Classroom, Chinese Student Association, and Did You Eat? These groups may provide support and perspective from fellow students with similar identity anchors who have previously participated in study away.General Resources
University of Minnesota Academic Literature and Research:
An overview of research and articles focused on study abroad and its intersections with race, ethnicity, and underrepresented populations.The Project for Learning Abroad, Training, and Outreach (PLATO):
An integrated study abroad training, certification, and diversity outreach program which provides comprehensive support resources for study abroad to all U.S. college and university students – with special support for underrepresented students. PLATO has additional resources that focus on supporting diversity for several student populations. A component of PLATO and is associated with the Center for Global Education. AllAbroad is a clearinghouse of resources, information, and mentors that promotes greater diversity among study abroad participants, including efforts such as K-12, Community College, Multicultural Services, and Community outreach. AllAbroad connects U.S. college and university students from diverse backgrounds to useful resources and study abroad mentors who share personal experiences and expertise in study abroad.Diversity Abroad’s Diversity and Inclusion Abroad Guide:
A comprehensive resource from DiversityAbroad.com that focuses on specific topics including racial and ethnic minority students abroad, first generation students, heritage seekers, and religious diversity abroad. Diversity Abroad also offers resources for students considering going abroad as Heritage Seekers.Diversity Issues in Study Abroad:
A collection of Brown University student perspectives about diversity, identity and discrimination abroad. First-person narratives and infographics highlighting the experience of being a racial minority abroad.Tips for International Students:
Michigan State University has compiled a page of helpful resources and considerations for you to reference as you plan to study away as an international student in the US.Orientation for Students of Color Studying Abroad:
A University of Minnesota video geared to help you prepare for your time abroad. Reflections on the evolution of identity for an Asian American student in Japan. Video – Helpful tips for African-American students from a student who’s studied abroad. Helpful advice from a Latinx student who studied abroad in the UK.Scholarships