ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú

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.

Student Success Center | A ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú 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

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

 | 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

 | A guide to help you think about your identity and what identity means abroad.

 | A region-specific resource guide covering a multitude of topics such as racial, ethnic, and identity concerns, gender and sexuality, and disability.

 | 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.

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.

 | Tips and resources to navigate planning for expenses, gaining family support, and planning ahead

 | Questions to think about as a first-generation student, tips on how to prepare for your experience, and links to resources

 | Videos, blogs, and student testimonials about their personal experiences as a first-generation student abroad

 | Resources to help first-generation students overcome common hurdles to studying abroad, such as cost, scholarships, and mental health

 | How study abroad can positively affect your life and college experience as a first-generation student

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.

Resources

| International advocacy organization with web resources, reports, and newsletters, as well as helpful maps of laws related to sexual orientation and gender around the world

| Tips and resources for before and during travel from the U.S. Department of State

| Free e-book that explores study abroad scholarships, program testimonials, facing prejudice, and traveler stories

| Resources on choosing a country and university, coming out abroad, finding friendly housing, scholarships, and the world’s best pride events

| Tips for navigating airports and knowing your rights to stay safe while traveling as a trans individual

| Three trans travelers offer tips and personal experiences navigating airports with binders and packers, and getting through customs and immigration.

| YouTube video detailing the study abroad experience of a queer student in Rome

| Questions to consider related to your LGBTQ+ identity before studying abroad

| Blog posts of gay travel around the world broken down by country

Scholarships

| | Scholarship and resource center for students who identify as LGBTQ+. Apply for the FEA Rainbow Scholarship through the .

 | Scholarship awarded to LGBTQ+ students attending college in the greater Cincinnati area

 | Scholarships available to LGBTQ+ students with additional scholarship opportunities for BIPOC students

 | Scholarships available to Asian/Pacific Islander lesbian, bisexual, or queer women or transgender individuals

 | Scholarships available to LGBTQ+ students

Safety

 | Analysis of the status of LGBTQ+ rights around the world to produce a list of countries most to least safe for LGBTQ+ individuals

 | Travel safety guide for LGBTQ+ individuals published by The International LGBTQ+ Travel Association

| Safety guide for traveling as an LGBTQ+ individual, as well as additional resources

 | Information from the U.S. government about traveling as a LGBTQ+ individual

LGBTQIA+ Friendly Countries

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!

Africa

• South Africa

Asia

• Taiwan (Although Taiwan currently ranks as #48 out of #203, scoring a C+, on the LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index, the country is recognized as a leader in LGBTQIA+ rights in Asia, being the first country in the continent to legalize same-sex marriage. Speak with your Education Abroad Advisor or the Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion to discuss if Taiwan is right for you as an LGBTQ+ individual.)

Central and South America

• Chile
• Uruguay

Europe

• Belgium
• Denmark
• France
• Germany
• Iceland
• Ireland
• Luxembourg
• Malta
• Norway
• Portugal
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland
• The Netherlands
• United Kingdom

North America

• Canada

Oceania

• Australia
• New Zealand

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.

General Resources for Students of Color

| Documentary featuring student stories from abroad

| Offers resources for race, ethnicity, national identity, and more while abroad

| PDF e-book covering topics such as standing out, blending in, national vs. racial identity, and racial difference in a host country

For Black Students

| Reflection on why Black students should study abroad and what challenges they may face

| Free e-book with stories covering the good, the bad, and the weird of studying abroad as a Black student, as well as scholarship opportunities and program testimonials

| (Recorded Aug. 31, 2020) Student panel for Black students who are interested in studying abroad featuring stories and advice. Full recording and individual stories available in this playlist.

| Study abroad alumni share their experiences as Black students abroad

| ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú in the field of International Education share their personal experiences as Black men studying abroad and share insight on the benefits of the experience

For Asian/Pacific Islander American Students

| Reflection on why Asian/Pacific Islander American students should study abroad and what challenges they may face

| Asian American woman's reflection on racism she encountered abroad, traveling as an Asian American individual, and Asian American travel bloggers who have given her perspective on her own experiences

| Free e-book that explores study abroad scholarships, program testimonials, facing prejudice, and traveler stories

For Hispanic/Latinx/Latine Students

| Reflection on why Hispanic/Latinx/Latine students should study abroad and what challenges they may face

| Free e-book that explores study abroad scholarships, program testimonials, facing prejudice, and traveler stories

| Questions to ponder and what to expect while studying abroad as a Hispanic/Latinx/Latine student

| Study abroad reflections from a first-generation Latina

For Native American Students

| Reflection on why Native American students should study abroad and what challenges they may face

| Questions to ponder and what to expect while studying abroad as a Native American student

| Courtney Hale, a woman from the Diné Nation, shares about her experience with study abroad

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 Education Abroad Advisor and ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú’s Miller Center for Student Disability Services. 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 to help you learn about opportunities and resources available for students with disabilities who would like to study abroad.

Resources

| Free e-book that explores study abroad scholarships, program testimonials, facing prejudice, and traveler stories

| Wide range of disability-specific resources, including personal stories, tip sheets, and best practices

| U.S. government information, tips, and resources for individuals with disabilities going abroad

| Free online services and resources to help students with disabilities start planning for a study abroad experience; search "study abroad" to see resources tailored to education abroad programs

| Recommended countries, scholarships, and pre-departure considerations for students with disabilities going abroad, as well as recommended contacts while in-country

| Guide for navigating travel as a wheelchair user

| Additional resources and scholarships for students with disabilities planning to go abroad

| Questions to ponder as an individual with a disability before going on an education abroad program

| Sarah Mahoney, a wheelchair user, recounts her experiences abroad with a disability and provides advice and recommended pre-departure steps from her perspective

| Jamie Green, a wheelchair user, recounts their experiences abroad as an individual with a disability

As a 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 ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú towards your experience. If you would like to speak to someone on campus about your veteran’s benefits, you may contact the One Stop at OneStop@ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉúOH.edu or 513-529-0001.

Resources

Student Veterans Center (Oxford) | Located at Wells Hall, 301 E. Spring Street; for more information, contact veterans@ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉúOH.edu or the One Stop at 513-529-0001

ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú University Center for Veteran Services (Regionals) | Center that provides support for student veterans on the Hamilton and Middletown Campuses to have the best possible collegiate experience, preparing them for their post-military role in society

| Fact sheet outlining basic information on how to study abroad using your GI bill

| Overview of educational benefits under the GI ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú, how those might apply to study abroad, and limitations of those benefits

| Important considerations for veterans studying abroad, funding opportunities, and student testimonials

| A former Marine shares his experience with planning for and completing a study abroad program utilizing GI ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú benefits

We appreciate that your religious identity may be very important to you. It can be very risky to proselytize or to speak out against the dominant religion of the host country, and it is culturally inappropriate. Shifting from being in the religious majority to being the religious minority can affect mental health. It may be more challenging to find your faith community, and you may feel distrusted or attacked for your beliefs. You may also find that your religious identity shifts while abroad. A change in religious identity while abroad may have an impact on your mental health. Below are resources related to religious identity abroad.

Questions to Consider:

• What is the dominant religion in your host country?
• Will I be part of the religious majority or minority while abroad? You may now be a religious minority, but a religious majority in your host country.
• Are there any laws regarding religion in my host country? Is there a separation between religion and government? How do the laws regarding religion impact the host country’s views toward women? Toward sexual orientation and other identities?
• How tolerant is my host country of other religions? What about atheists and agnostics?
• Is it safe to wear religious symbols or clothing in my host country?
• If my religious practices include a special diet, can I easily practice that diet in the host country?

Resources

| Things for both religious and non-religious students to consider when choosing a study abroad location

| Resources to assist Muslim travelers with things like locating the direction of the Qibla, finding halal restaurants, finding mosques, and getting in-flight prayer times

| Comprehensive guide to finding mosques and Islamic schools abroad

| Resource connecting Jewish travelers all over the world

| Directory to assist Jewish travelers with finding kosher restaurants

| A Christian student shares about how her faith interacted with her study abroad experience

| Country-specific resources for Buddhists studying abroad

Heritage seekers are students who choose to complete an abroad experience in a country to which they have ancestral or cultural ties. Through these experiences, heritage seekers can learn more about the history and culture of their ancestral or familial homeland. This can be an overwhelming and emotional experience, so it is important for heritage seekers to prepare themselves for their abroad experience. The resources below outline tips, important questions to ponder, and student testimonials for heritage seekers to utilize before departing for their education abroad program.

Resources

| Important considerations and tips for heritage seekers completing an education abroad program

| Timothy Valero reflects on his education abroad experience as an Asian American student in Japan

| Carolina reflects on her ongoing abroad experience in Mexico as a Mexican American student

| Akintunde Ahmad recounts his experience studying abroad in Ghana as a Black student

| Megan reflects on her time as an Arab-American student studying abroad in Jordan

Funding is a common obstacle for students looking to study abroad. But there are many scholarships available to students to help decrease program costs, as well as resources for saving money while abroad. When trying to make study abroad more affordable, the most important thing is careful planning. The resources below should aid you in overcoming financial obstacles to completing an education abroad program.

Resources

| A list of programs ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú students are eligible to go on under $11,000, as well as between $11,000 and $13,000.

| U.S. Department of State scholarship for study abroad awarded to Federal Pell Grant recipients with application deadlines in March and October; contact Karla Guinigundo if interested in applying

| Fund that provides scholarships to students with financial need who are underrepresented among the U.S. study abroad population

ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú University Education Abroad: Finances and Scholarships | Information about cost-effective programs, how ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú aid might apply to your abroad experience, and more information about additional national scholarships

| Tips to help you get abroad and save abroad

| Abigail Stupar talks about her experience studying abroad in Milan as a, as she calls it, "low-income never-traveled-like-this-before student"

Choosing to study abroad as a non-traditional student can be both exciting and overwhelming. As a non-traditional student, you might have a wide range of responsibilities in addition to your studies, such as work, family, financial, and/or community commitments. Many non-traditional students have a breadth of life experiences that may make studying abroad an especially enriching experience. The key to successfully completing an education abroad program is careful planning. Please see this list of resources tailored to the needs of non-traditional students looking to study abroad.

Resources

| Things to consider when choosing to study abroad as a non-traditional student, divided by short-term and long-term program duration

| A 45-year-old woman with full-time job (in addition to her studies), a husband, and two children recounts her experience studying abroad in London for a 3-week summer session as a non-traditional college student