Identity & Diversity Abroad
The WWU Education Abroad office encourages all students to consider studying abroad. Studying abroad can present students with exciting, life-enriching experiences while making progress toward completing your degree.
One way to assure a safer study abroad experience is to learn more about how people who share your background experience life in your potential study abroad country. As you explore your study abroad options, you will want to consider aspects of your identity and begin your research. You might pose questions as you research online such as:
“Is Chile accessible for wheelchair users?”
“Safety tips for women traveling in Italy.”
“Can I use my GI Bill to study in the U.K.?”
“What’s it like to be _____ traveling/living in Japan?”
Each host community’s socio-cultural context may present challenges and rewards. Being knowledgeable beforehand enables you to better adjust and adapt within your new environment. It also helps you make an informed decision about what risks you’re willing to take and where you’ll choose to study.
The EdAbroad office has compiled resources for some groups of students who have asked for extra information regarding what they should consider before studying abroad. These categories and resources are not exhaustive but meant to be a starting point.