Multicultural Students

How long do you want to be abroad/away?  How will your abroad/away experience fit into your four-year plan?  See studying abroad/away as an opportunity to expand your understanding of the world, enhance your resume and employment application materials, and as an opportunity to gain new experiences that will inform your future academic coursework and career.  Do your research!  The more you know about your academic program and the host community, the more you can prepare and share with your support networks.

How is your racial or ethnic identities perceived in the host community?  What stereotypes exist?  What is the history of racism or ethnic tension in the host community?  If you are traveling to a place where you identify with the local racial identity or cultural heritage, consider how you will be perceived as an American of that identity or heritage.  Remember that culture and customs may differ between you and the host community depending on history and context.  Additionally, be aware that because of these differences or other factors, you may not be viewed as part of the host community by certain individuals.  This may cause feelings of stress, uncertainly, anger, etc. – all of which are completely valid.  In the United States, you may be perceived by your racial or ethnic identity first, but abroad, many students report being perceived as an American, first and foremost.  Consider how you may respond or react to requests from locals wanting to take your picture, touch your hair or your skin, ask culturally insensitive questions, etc.  In areas where locals have had minimal contact with people of color, people, especially children, tend to be very curious.

How visible is the racial or ethnic community in the host community?  Are there organizations you can join or be apart of, if interested?

If you are living with a host family, have they hosted a student of color or ethnically diverse student in the past?  If not, will this be an issue for them – or for you?  With whom and how can you report and seek support for racially biased or motivated incidents?  Find support!  Traveling or studying abroad is an exciting and sometimes challenging time, especially, if you are the first in your family to do it.  Be sure to find people on and off campus who support your decision.  Talk with other students about their experience abroad/away – what are their tips, insights, and advice?

Some programs offered by St. Olaf are less expensive than the cost of staying on campus for the semester or year.  Your financial aid package (including scholarships and grants – with the exception of work study while off-campus) will be applied to your study abroad/away program.