Identity & Diversity Abroad

Preparing for identity considerations abroad is an important part of any study abroad journey. Even if you do not hold certain identities, learning how they might be perceived in your host country can help you be a supportive ally to your peers.

Gender Roles & Issues

Gender roles abroad may differ from those in the U.S. You may choose not to behave in precisely the same ways as local men and women do; however, it is important that you educate yourself about cultural gender roles within your host community to make sensitive choices about how you will behave while abroad and to understand how your host culture may interpret your personal views and opinions. Take the time and initiative to learn as much as possible about your host country’s language, religion, customs, and appropriate dress. Such knowledge will increase your confidence and independence, which are important to your personal safety.

Women may experience difficulties while abroad, which can be compounded by language and cultural differences as well as risk factors related to health and safety. Do not put yourself at greater risk for harassment by becoming intoxicated, accepting drinks from strangers, or being alone.

You are your own best resource. Keep this in mind when preparing to face a range of possible situations, from sexual comments or harassment to the rare event of a physically threatening situation. Depending on the situation, remove yourself as quickly as possible; confront the person; or ask for support from your Program Director, other program staff, or SAIP. The best advice: trust your intuition, make good choices, and support your program mates. If your instincts send you warning signals, heed them!

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Sexual Orientation and Identity

Sexual identity and definitions of sexuality can be cultural, so it is important that you research and become aware of the LGBTQIA+ climate in your host country and how this may affect personal interactions.

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Race and Ethnicity

Racial and ethnic relations vary by culture, so while you are abroad, you may be part of an ethnic minority or majority for the first time in your life or have to think about your identity in a new way. Take some time to research the minority, majority, and plurality racial and ethnic composition of your host country; explore its history of racial and ethnic relations; and consider how this may impact your own experience.

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Ability Abroad

Pitzer students with disabilities or accessibility considerations participate in study abroad programs around the world. If you have a disability or other condition requiring reasonable accommodation abroad, you are strongly encouraged to register for accommodations through Pitzer’s Academic Support Services (PASS) and speak with your PASS adviser. PASS can provide an official letter verifying your current accommodations, which can be shared with your study abroad advisor and program sponsor. Current accommodations at Pitzer may not be available or may look different in your study abroad location and/or host institution, so it is important that you discuss with PASS, your study abroad adviser, and/or your program sponsor well in advance.

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Intersectionality

Intersectionality is a term introduced to the academy by Dr. Kimberlé Crenshaw (1989) to describe the confluence of an individual’s multiple social identities in shaping who they are. These social identities include race, gender, class, sexual orientation, ethnicity, age, ability, religion, etc. This concept provides a working theoretical framework in intercultural understanding as it helps in understanding positionality, power, oppression and social justice. Dr. Crenshaw has several videos on YouTube where she expands this concept, and below are a couple of shorter synopses and an article of what the concept entails.