Finding a program that fits your academic goals is important but it is also important to consider how well a culture or community might fit your membership in different identity groups. GEO wants every student to find the program that meets their academic and personal goals. Consider using the resources below organized by identity group.
As a student of color, your life experience and perspective may influence your study away choices. That is typical! Here are some resources to inform and consider.
Why It’s Important
Planning
Practical Issues
First Gen students may think study away is not for them. This is just not true. Use the links below to think about common issues and questions that can guide you towards a study away experience.
Student Panel Views
Practical Issues
- Education Abroad & National Student Exchange: First-Generation Student Status
- Yet Another College Experience That’s Very Different for First-Generation Students
Have concerns about study away specific to your gender identification? The links provided below can help guide your study away decisions.
Practical Issues
- Women Going Abroad
- U.S. Department of State: Women Travelers
- Gender Considerations Abroad
- X Gender Marker Passport Advising Resource
- Air Travel Tips for Transgender Students Studying Abroad
- Advocates for Trans Equality: Travel & Airport Security
- Transportation Security Administration (TSA): Gender Diversity
Topics via Podcast
Study away comes with financial obligations, but using the resources below may help your decision-making easier.
Practical Issues
- Duke’s Karsh Office of Undergraduate Financial Aid: Making the Most of Your Aid During Study Away
- 8 Proven Ways to Lower Your Study Abroad Costs
- 6 Tips for Creating & Sticking to Your Study Abroad Budget
Scholarships
Being who you are is important. Doing that safely is paramount on study away. The sites below provide helpful resources for LGBT+ students studying away:
Planning
- LGBTQ+ Students Abroad
- Equaldex Equality Index Map
Practical Issues
- U.S. Department of State: LGBTQI+ Travelers
- Meaningful Travel Tips and Tales: LGBTQ Travelers’ Perspectives
Students living with disabilities can (and do!) study away! Review the links below for more information.
Remember: The Americans with Disabilities Act is not enforced in other countries. Be sure you review the DAAS process for study away while planning.
Practical Issues
- Maintaining Mental Wellness While Studying Abroad
- 7 Tips for Studying Abroad with Disabilities and Chronic Conditions
- U.S. Department of State: Travelers with Disabilities
Traveling with Medication
Traveling with Service Animals
Some students may want to continue to observe religious practices while abroad and some may be confronted by host country religious practices that are unfamiliar or contradictory to their own beliefs. Doing some research ahead of time will help you navigate your personal beliefs and those of your host country while away from Duke’s campus.
Planning
- Harvard University: The Pluralism Project
- University of Chicago: Religion and Spiritual Life Abroad
- U.S. Department of State: Faith-Based Travelers
Practical Issues
Many programs have their own websites for study away when considering identities, so look to those first. GEO has gathered some information that may help with location-specific questions.
Travel Guide to Many Countries Including Identity Information
- Diversity Abroad: Culture & Diversity Destination Guides
- U.S. Department of State: Travelers with Special Considerations
Location Considerations for Students of Color
- 5 Study Abroad Destinations Every African American Student Should Consider
- Best Countries for Racial Equity
LGBT+ in International Countries
- Pew Research Center: The Global Divide on Homosexuality Persists
- IGLTA: Destinations
Compare the Physical Accessibility of Major Cities
- International Transport Forum: How accessible is your city?
- 10 Accessible Cities for Studying Abroad with Disabilities and Chronic Conditions
What to Do If You Have Identity-Related Issues While Away from the Duke Campus
GEO and many other organizations are poised to provide support and guidance, should an issue arise. You can set up an Advising appointment or email geoadvising@duke.edu.
You can also reach out to the Office of Global Health and Safety (OGHS) at oghs@duke.edu before, during planning, or while on program to gather resources or get support.