Accessible for All
Our goal is for the study abroad experience to be positive, rewarding, educational, and accessible to all.
Each participant brings a unique perspective to the communities they visit, impacting them differently. We’ve compiled resources to support and encourage you to explore your identity at home and abroad, recognizing these resources as a starting point.
Our commitment to diversity is firm. We offer advising for questions and concerns related to personal identity during study abroad. We encourage thorough research of the host country, including its culture, history, and laws. Our aim is to provide study abroad programs that cater to ESF’s diverse student population.
Campus Resources
ESF Office of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access
Syracuse University LGBTQ Resource Center
Syracuse University Center for Disability Resources
Syracuse University Hendricks Chapel
Race/Ethnicity
Race is viewed differently in every culture. Depending on the country you go to, you may have a very different experience regarding race than here in the US. Some students notice that racism is either more or less overt than in the US, or that your host culture has unfamiliar attitudes or stereotypes about people from various cultural and ethnic backgrounds. For some students, it may be the first time that you think about what your racial or ethnic identities mean to you, particularly if you are not the majority in your host country.
Pay close attention to how you feel, how you are treated, and other observations you make, and reflect on them. Being in a different context is a good time to reflect on our own racial identity and learn about others’.
IES Abroad: Race, Ethnicity, and Nationality Resources
Diversity Abroad: Minority and Students of Color
Black Students Study Abroad: The Good, The Bad, The Weird
Meaningful Travel Tips & Tales: African American Perspectives (eBook)
Meaningful Travel Tips & Tales: Latinx Traveler Perspectives (eBook)
All Abroad.US
LGBTQIA+ Identities
Attitudes toward LGBTQIA+ individuals differ worldwide. Some places are more accepting, with thriving queer communities, while others criminalize homosexuality, sometimes with severe penalties. Definitions of gender also vary, so you may find that the concept of being trans is something that is not recognized in some cultures, while others have a history of understanding and celebrating multiple genders and forms of expression. When choosing a program and planning travel, prioritize your safety, comfort, and medical requirements.
LGBTQIA+ Identities Abroad: Questions to Consider
IES Abroad LGBTQ+ Resources
Diversity Abroad: LGBTQIA+ Students
LGBTQIA+ Laws and Resources Interactive Map (UC Davis)
National Center for Transgender Equality: Know Your Rights (Airport Security)
International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, and Intersex Association
Trans Legal Mapping Report
“Personally, I feel that I have become more aware of the world around me and how things work. I can see the differences between the US and other cultures more clearly, and I can also see challenges and issues different parts of the world face. I also feel I have become more confident in myself.”
Tanzania | Environmental Biology Program
Accessibility Abroad
Accessibility laws and perceptions of disabilities vary worldwide. If you have a disability, consult with the Office of International Education and your program provider before going abroad. They can help determine available accommodation and assist in planning. Keep in mind that available accommodations may differ from at ESF, so research beforehand is wise. Be prepared to explain your needs and capabilities, as stereotypes may exist. Remember, you have support both at your host campus and at ESF.
Mobility International
Diversity Abroad: Students with Disabilities
US Department of State: Travelers with Disabilities
Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund
What International Exchange Can Teach Us About Identity: 14 Disabled Travelers Reflect
on Their Experiences Abroad
Additional Resources
Studying abroad can be overwhelming, especially for students with autism, ADHD, or sensory differences. Prepare for new experiences by planning ahead and having coping strategies ready. Discuss potential accommodations with the Office of International Education and your program provider, like having a single room or extra orientation. Research communication norms in your host country, including body language and personal space, to help navigate interactions.
You may find yourself in a country where the dominant religion is different from your own (if any). Research ahead of time to learn about religious practices, customs, and holidays. Take this opportunity to learn about another form of spirituality and to further explore your own! You may want to consider attending local faith services to learn more about the culture, even if you do not consider yourself to be a religious person. Feel empowered to ask questions, just do so in a respectful and open-minded way. You do not have to share someone’s faith tradition to appreciate a religious place or practice. Be sure to respect all religious customs of your home culture, even if you may not believe in or agree with them.
Women may find that they experience greater harassment while abroad. Being a visitor to another country makes you stand out which, unfortunately, can bring you unwanted attention and advances. Women have different roles and positions in different cultures, so it is important to learn about expectations of women in your host culture. You may find it helpful to speak with women who have previously lived or traveled in your host country for their advice and experiences.
Some questions to ask yourself include:
What are the cultural norms for gender?
Do gender roles differ in the host community?
Are there expected ways for an individual to talk with, approach, or act towards each
other based upon gender or other identity?
Are there expectations of gender-normed clothing or appearance?
What are the local laws I should be aware of?
If you are the first person in your family to attend college, you may have never been presented with the idea of studying abroad. It might feel overwhelming, confusing, or out of reach. Don’t be afraid to reach out to OIE at anytime with questions or concerns. We are also more than happy to speak with family members and loved ones who may have questions, either one-on-one or during the pre-departure orientation sessions.
Taking Our Commitment to Sustainability Global
Sustainable travel involves more than just simple actions like reusing towels; it encompasses broader considerations such as supporting local economies, minimizing environmental impact, and ensuring fair working conditions. Before booking, research and ask questions about the sustainability practices of hotels, tour operators, and destinations.
You can also look for reliable certifications like the Green Key label or B Corporation status. Aim to reduce your carbon footprint by choosing transportation wisely and embracing slower travel to immerse yourself more deeply in local communities. Ultimately, responsible travel requires informed choices and active engagement with sustainability principles.
A Critical Experience in Every Program
Studying abroad is proven to positively impact academic, educational, and professional outcomes. It fosters intercultural understanding, critical skills, empathy, and open-mindedness. ESF ensures that students of every degree can incorporate study abroad into their college experience. Schedule a meeting with OIE and your advisor now to discuss how study abroad can fit in your academic plan!
You CAN afford it
With so many unique programs/partners, there’s an experience accessible to every one. If you’re concerned about affordability, come talk to us. Resources are available by through ESF and beyond, specific to program, region, and more!