Identity Resources

Miami University is committed to ensuring that each and all students feel supported throughout their entire study abroad experience. We understand that study abroad can be different for every student. The identities that you hold may influence your time abroad. Thinking about this ahead of time can help smooth the transition into a new culture. The following resources have been compiled to help students from various identity groups prepare for and navigate their experience abroad. Take time to look through these resources as well as make an appointment with a study abroad advisor. Your study abroad advisor can help to address your concerns and provide support and resources before, during, and after your experience. Additionally, we encourage you to use the breadth of resources that Miami University offers.

Some questions to think about before going abroad:

  1. What identities do I hold in the U.S.? Will these be perceived differently abroad?
  2. How will I talk about my identities abroad? How will I react if someone does not understand/has never heard of my identity or reacts negatively to it?
  3. What resources are available to support me before, during, and after my time abroad?

General Resources

The following resources are not specific to any one identity group and offer a wide-range of support, tips, and resource databases to help prepare you for your study abroad experience.

Diversity Abroad | Organization that provides students from diverse economic, educational, ethnic, and social backgrounds access to resources for study abroad  

How to Get through an Airport by Yourself | If you have never been on an airplane before, it can be very confusing and overwhelming. This step-by-step air travel guide breaks down the process for you so that you have all of the tools you need for successful air travel.

IES Country-Specific Resources | A country-specific resource guide covering topics such as dietary concerns, racial, ethnic, and national identity, gender identity, expression, and sexual orientation, religion, disability, and mental health

ISEP Diversity and Inclusion Abroad Resources | A variety of resources covering topics such as race and ethnicity, finances, heritage seekers, students with disabilities, women, religion, first generation, adult learners, and sexual orientation

Go Abroad: Diversity | Articles covering various diversity-related study abroad topics

Student Success Center | A Miami resource center that supports active military, veterans, and benefit-eligible dependents of active military and veterans; commuter students; first-generation college students; foster care alumni and emancipated youth; housing insecure students; low-SES students; non-traditional age students; students with dependent children; transfer and relocation students

University of Wisconsin-Student Identity | A guide to help you think about your identity and what identity means abroad.

US Study Abroad Scholarships

First-Generation Students

Choosing to study abroad as a first-generation college or first-generation study abroad student can be both exciting and overwhelming. Although you may be the first in your family to study abroad, you are not alone. There are many students just like you who have studied abroad and have already navigated the process. Below are resources specifically for first-generation students. They include tips and stories from other first-generation students to help get you started on your journey abroad.

IFSA Butler: Interviews with First-Generation College Students Abroad

University of Chicago First Generation Students Abroad | Tips and resources to navigate planning for expenses, gaining family support, and planning ahead

University of Wisconsin-First Generation Students Abroad | Questions to think about as a first-generation student, tips on how to prepare for your experience, and links to resources

LGBTQ+ Students

Resources

Studying abroad is an exciting and wonderful time in the lives of many students. However, if you are wondering about how your sexual orientation or sexual identity may be received while abroad, you are not alone. Something to consider before you go abroad is familiarizing yourself with the laws and local attitudes of the host country. Become familiar with the cultural customs either spoken or unspoken towards members of the LGBTQ+ community. The resources below can help you start your research and find helpful stories and tips from LGBTQ+ students who are currently abroad or students who have already returned.

IFSA LGBTQ+ Resources | Articles and stories from and for students in the LGBTQ+ community

IGLA (International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association) | International advocacy organization with web resources, reports, and newsletters

US Department of State: LGBTI Travel Information | Tips and resources for before and during travel from the US Department of State

LGBTQ + Scholarship

Rainbow SIG | Resource center for students who identify as LGBTQ+

Studying in UK as an LGBT Student | The Complete Guide To Studying and Living in UK as an LGBT Student

Scholarships

Diversity Abroad AIFS Achievement Scholarship

Live Out Loud

PFLAGE Cincinnati Scholarship Program

Point Foundation

Safety

Spartacus Gay Travel Index

Advice and Other Resources

LGBTQ Students University of Wisconsin-Madison | Basic guide to identity while studying abroad

Global Gayz | Blog posts of gay travel around the world

Gay Guide | Directory to finding LGBT friendly spaces around the world, including accommodation, tours, events, and more.

LGBTQIA+ Friendly Countries

Are you a part of the LGBTQIA+ community and are interested in studying abroad? Are concerns over safety and prejudice keeping you from this once in a lifetime opportunity? We at Education Abroad are here to tell you that it is absolutely possible for you to study abroad and be open about your sexual and/or gender identity. We’ve compiled a list of the safest countries for LGBTQIA+ below with selected programs that you could possibly be a part of in the future!

NOTE: This list is not meant to limit you. Even if a country isn’t on this page, that doesn’t mean it’s impossible to study there. Explore our website and schedule an appointment with an advisor who can make studying anywhere work for you!

Europe

Luxembourg - Semester and Summer Program
  • Miami University MUDEC Program
Scandinavia - Semester and Summer Programs
  • Copenhagen: AIFS and DIS
  • Stockholm: AIFS, DIS, and ISEP
  • Oslo: AIFS and ISEP
Ireland
  • Miami University Americans Abroad
  • Miami University Experiencing Arts and Culture in Dublin
  • Miami University Sports, Management, and Culture in a Global Marketplace
  • Dublin: AIFS, CIEE, IES
  • Cork: API and USAC
  • Galway: API and USAC
  • Limerick: AIFS and API
France
  • Miami University Americans Abroad
  • Miami University French Study in Dijon
  • FSB Exchange
  • Miami University Paris: Cultural Capital
  • Paris: AIFS, API, CIEE, and IES
  • Nice: IES and ISEP
  • Grenoble: AIFS and API
  • Lyon: ISEP and USAC
United Kingdom
  • Miami Exchange: University of Glasgow
  • Miami Exchange: University of Leicester
  • Miami University Americans Abroad
  • Miami University Creating Tech Solutions for Multicultural Populations
  • Miami University Energy Efficient by Design
  • FSB London and Italy (Winter)
  • FSB London (Semester)
  • Miami University Inside London
  • Miami University Interactive Design
  • Miami University Literary London
  • Miami University London Theatre
  • Miami University Mathematics in Europe
  • Miami University Sports, Management, and Culture in a Global Marketplace
  • London: AIFS, API, CIEE, IES, ISEP, USAC
  • Edinburgh: AIFS, ISEP, and SIT
  • The Netherlands - Semester and Summer Programs
  • FSB Maastricht (Semester)
  • Amsterdam: CIEE, IES, ISEP, and SIT
  • Maastricht: USAC
  • The Hague: USA
  • Belgium - Semester Programs
  • Miami University Comparing US and European School Systems (Summer)
  • Brussels - CIEE and ISEP
  • Ghent - ISEP
The Netherlands - Semester and Summer Programs
  • FSB Maastricht (Semester)
  • Amsterdam: CIEE, IES, ISEP, and SIT
  • Maastricht: USAC
  • The Hague: USA
Belgium - Semester Programs
  • Miami University Comparing US and European School Systems (Summer)
  • Brussels - CIEE and ISEP
  • Ghent - ISEP
Spain - Semester, Summer, and Winter Programs
  • Miami FSB Barcelona (Semester)
  • Miami Summer in Spain (Summer)
  • Barcelona: AIFS, API, CIEE, IES, and SIT
  • Madrid: AIFS, API, CIEE, IES, ISEP, and USAC
  • Granada: AIFS, API, and IES
  • Seville: API and CIEE
  • Bilbao: API and USAC
  • Alicante: CIEE and USAC
Portugal - Semester and Summer Programs
  • Lisbon: CIEE and ISEP

Central and South America

Uruguay - Semester Programs
  • Montevideo: ISEP and USAC
  • Argentina
  • Miami University Business and Conversational Spanish
  • Buenos Aires: AIFS, API, CIEE, IES, ISEP, and SIT
  • Mendoza: API
  • Cordoba: ISEP

Asia and Oceania

Israel - Semester Programs
  • Haifa - USAC
New Zealand
  • Miami University Outdoor Leadership (Summer)
  • Miami University Sports, Management, and Culture in a Global Marketplace (Summer)
  • Auckland: IES, ISEP, and USAC
  • Wellington: AIFS, API, ISEP, and USAC
  • Palmerston North: ISEP and USAC
  • Christchurch: IES and ISEP

Africa

Reunion - Semester Programs
  • St. Denis: ISEP

Students of Color

Race and ethnicity are often defined and perceived differently abroad than in the US. Oftentimes, you may have different experiences with your identity/ies in your new host country than you do at home. You may be in the majority or minority for the first time, considered to be American over any other identity you may hold, or be mistakenly associated with groups you do not identify with. Understanding how race and ethnicity are perceived in your host country may help prepare you for your time abroad. The resources below address racial and ethnic identity abroad, share study abroad stories from students of color and give practical tips for navigating your new community as a student of color.  

All Abroad US: Reasons for Studying Abroad | Identity-specific reasons for studying abroad

A Latina’s Study Abroad Journey by Maritza Torres | Study abroad reflections from a first-generation Latina

Asian Americans Abroad: Balancing Race Ethnicity and Nationality

Glimpse: Race Abroad | PDF e-book for various ethnic identities covering topics such as standing out, blending in, national vs. racial identity, and racial difference in a host country.

Go Abroad.com: Meaningful Travel Tips and Tales

African American Perspectives | E-book with stories covering the good, the bad and the weird of studying abroad as an African American, scholarship opportunities, program testimonials, and beauty tips

Asian Travelers Perspectives | E-book with information on study abroad scholarships, program testimonials, facing prejudice, and traveler stories

*Other guides coming soon

Students with Disabilities

Students with disabilities participate in study abroad programs around the world; the key to a successful experience is planning. Understand, however, that attitudes, accessibility, and accommodation for students with emotional, mental, learning, or physical disabilities may vary at different program sites and locations. Think about how you will manage these differences and seek as much information as possible before you depart.

Discuss your study abroad plans with your Study Abroad Advisor and Miami’s Miller Center for Disability Resources. Our offices will work with you to discuss reasonable accommodations abroad and assist you with the planning and pre-departure process. To better help you prepare, please contact us as early as possible. The links below are designed may help you learn about opportunities and resources available for students with disabilities who would like to study abroad.

Abroad with Disabilities | Organization that empowers students with disabilities to pursue opportunities abroad through resources, online support, scholarship opportunities, and more

Don't let disability dictate your year abroad by Jamie Green

International Studies Abroad | Database of resources for students with disabilities

Mobility international USA | Free online services and resources to help students with disabilities start planning for a study abroad experience

National Clearinghouse on Disability and Exchange | Offers free advising services, trainings, and resources to make international programs more accessible and inclusive to all

Studying in Australia | Studying in Australia as a Disabled Student

The University of Minnesota | Online resource including guides and checklists

Veteran Students

As veteran, there are many opportunities to study abroad. Oftentimes, it is possible to use your veteran’s benefits to fund a study abroad program. The following resources include perspectives from veterans who have gone abroad and how to apply your GI Bill towards your experience. If you would like to speak to someone on campus about your veteran’s benefits, you may contact Kathy Ramsey at OneStop@MiamiOH.edu or 513-529-0001.  

GI Bill Study Abroad Fact Sheet | Factsheet outlining information on how to study abroad using your GI bill

How to Study Abroad as a Veteran | Information on how to study abroad as a veteran written by a former Marine

Veteran Study Abroad | Logistical resource for veterans who want to study abroad

We try our best to be as inclusive as possible with the resources we provide. As we find additional resources, we will continue to update the page. However, we acknowledge that there may be many gaps in our resources. If you do not see yourself represented in the resources we offer, please contact us at educationabroad@MiamiOH.edu!