Explore UAB

Colleges & Schools

Global Affairs Graduate School & Global Affairs

Diversity Abroad

  • Gender

    It is common for study abroad students to be viewed according to the gender expectations of the host culture, which can make students feel uncomfortable at times. This is true for men who may find themselves pressured to express their masculinity more or less assertively, and it is also true for women who may find themselves the targets of unwanted attention. Students who identify as transgender may find it particularly challenging to live in a host country where people are routinely classified within the gender binary model.

    We recommend trying to learn about and understand gender norms within the context of the host culture. What may be considered appropriate and friendly behavior in the U.S. may be interpreted differently in another culture and create unwanted and preventable issues.

  • Transgender Students

    TSA procedures can be invasive of everyone’s privacy and are of particular concern to transgender people because of their potential to “out” people in unsafe ways, possibly leading to harassment and discrimination. For any concerns you may have, please refer to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) as well as the National Center to Transgender Equality for additional guidance.

  • Women

    Women make up the majority of study abroad students. Many women have successful experiences abroad but it is important to understand your host country’s gender norms. The way you dress or act abroad can reinforce or detract from these stereotypes. Remember that your dress and body language may be commonplace in the U.S. but in your future host country your actions may draw unwanted attention.

    Women often experience issues such as unwanted sexual advances which sometimes extend to serious consequences. Sexual “harassment” is more prominent in the United States than anywhere else, but female travelers in other parts of the world are very susceptible to sexual “assault”. It is extremely important for you—as a woman—to take care of yourself and heed caution at all times.

    Resources:

    For information on self-defense, we encourage you to take advantage of the Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) Program hosted by UAB Police Department. 

    For other information regarding women's issues and safety, please see some of the following sites: 

  • Race & Ethnicity

    Education Abroad supports students of all races and ethnicities in going abroad. Depending on where you study abroad, the color of your skin, hair, eyes, or even the country listed on your passport could affect interactions with the host culture. It is important to understand there may be a discrepancy between how you perceive aspects of your racial, ethnic, or national identity and how individuals in your host community may perceive it. We recommend you do some research on your host country as well as discuss any concerns or questions about your identity abroad with the Education Abroad Advisor. In addition to doing your own research, consider the following: 

    • Research the historical and cultural climate of your destination. Remember that cultural norms vary by destination.
    • Be aware that locals may make assumptions based on physical appearance. In some destinations, locals assume that Americans are white, and therefore may incorrectly identify your ethnicity based solely on your physical appearance. For example, people in Spanish-speaking countries may assume that Latinx students speak Spanish fluently.
    • Build a support network. Before and while abroad, identify individuals that you can talk to about your experiences abroad. This may include your peers, faculty member, onsite staff, or friends and family in the U.S. Writing a journal or blog may also be helpful in sharing your story.
    • Bring your ethnic beauty products with you. These items, such as hair care products or specific make-up shades, may be difficult to find abroad unless you are traveling to a destination that aligns with your ethnic identity.
    • Be sure to enjoy your time abroad! We encourage you to learn about the local culture and race relations, but do not let that keep you from enjoying the experience. Be prepared for what you may encounter, but don't go abroad expecting racism or discrimination

    Resources:

  • Sexual Orientation

    LGBTQIA+ individuals may face unique challenges when traveling abroad. While we cannot guarantee that all of our program sites will be equally friendly toward different sexual orientation identities, we will do our best at informing you of your options. Legal and social norms, customs, and attitudes towards gender and differences in sexual orientation vary considerably across cultures. In order to stay safe and have positive cultural interactions, you should research the gender and sexual orientation dynamics in the host country community. If you would like to discuss any aspect of the study abroad experience, whether it relates to your sexual orientation or otherwise, please contact Education Abroad.

    Resources:

  • Accessibility Abroad

    Education Abroad supports students of all abilities in going abroad. Students should be aware that disability; how they are characterized, defined, stereotyped and accommodated is culturally defined. Attitudes toward disability and levels of accessibility can vary greatly from country to country. Remember that nowhere in the world is completely free of ignorance. No matter what happens, don’t let the possibility of discrimination keep you from experiencing and enjoying the life-changing opportunity to study abroad. Though it is personal responsibility of the student to arrange for accommodations, Education Abroad and UAB Disability Support Services are available for guidance and assistance! The key for any Education Abroad program participant is flexibility and planning early. Feel free to discuss questions or concerns with the Education Abroad Advisor and/or the staff at UAB Disability Support Services.

    In addition to meeting with the Education Abroad, it is important that students do their own research and consider the following:

    • What are the physical environments like in your host country?
    • How are people with my disability viewed in your host country?
    • Is learning mainly from lecture, readings, independent research, etc?
    • How are the assignments different?
    • What housing options exist?
    • Do you need to do their own cooking? Laundry?
    • How will my accommodations be funded?
    • Is transportation available and accessible?
    • What are my quarantine regulations if I’m bringing my service animal?
    • Is my prescription medication legal in my host country?

    Resources:

    These documents are a springboard for your own research: they might prepare you for some of the specific dynamics that you may experience in several countries but these documents are only a starting point, by no means an absolute or exhaustive list.

  • International Students

    As an international student here at UAB, you too can choose to go on an Education Abroad program! There are certain regulations you must follow if you are choosing to study abroad in your home country, however.

    If you are classified as a U.S. resident and a citizen of your home country, you may take a program that goes to your home country and use our office to transfer back your courses and attach any UAB financial aid/scholarship you have available to your program. However, if you are classified as a non-resident alien of the U.S. and a citizen of your home country, you will not be able to use our office to take a program in your home country. Instead, you must get your transfer courses from the institution in  your home country articulated through the Transfer Center's process.

    If you are an international student planning on taking a program back in your home country, you will not be covered under the UA system's International Travel Assistance Program. Instead, you will need to provide proof of coverage for health insurance in your home country. Please email the Education Abroad Advisor with any questions you may have. 

Back to Top