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Race and Ethnicity | Disability | Gender | LGBTQIA+ | International Students | Religion and Spirituality | First Generation

Race and Ethnicity

Understanding how cultural differences can shape perceptions of race, ethnicity, nationality, and identity is an important part of preparing to go abroad. Start by researching your new locale to get a sense of the ways race and ethnicity are viewed, which may be different than in the United States. U.S. Department of State traveler information is a good place to begin.

Locals may have preconceived ideas about you based on the color of your skin, your clothing, the way you speak, or other characteristics. You may have new experiences of being part of the minority. There may also be positive opportunities for cultural exchange when you can help the local community understand that all individuals are unique, regardless of their backgrounds.

Whatever the case, your on-site program staff and our advisors are always resources if you’re faced with an uncomfortable situation.

Disability

Laws, resources, attitudes, and practices vary by city, country, institution, and program. Our advisors are here to help you identify the best program for your goals and interests. You'll work with Student Disability Services to ensure your accommodation needs are met. 

You can set yourself up for success by researching your host country’s typical conditions and cultural perceptions and connecting early with your advisor, program, and Student Disability Services. The CDC Yellow Book pulls together many resources for travelers with activity limitations. Be sure to connect with Cornell Health and your own medical professionals before you leave the country.

It's your responsibility to seek out resources and notify your host program or institution of accommodations you'll need. At your request, the Student Disability Services office can send a letter of accommodation or your medical records to your host institution. They cannot provide advice about accommodation request processes followed by non-Cornell programs or institutions.

Gender

When you're abroad, you may find that gender roles and norms differ from what you’re used to. Some countries have distinctive beliefs about gender expression, and being aware of these differences could impact your behavior, routines, and dress.

Before going abroad, it's a good idea to research local views of gender, including behavioral expectations, customs of dating and relationships, and other topics. However, being sensitive to cultural differences does not mean you must tolerate behaviors that feel offensive or unsafe.

Guides from the U.S. State Department provide practical tips for travelers, including women. For those who identify outside their gender assigned at birth or outside the gender binary, the resources for LGBTQIA+ students may be useful.

LGBTQIA+

Traditions, norms, and values around gender and sexuality differ by country, region, and individual. Take the time to develop a sense of cultural expectations and laws. Your research can help you decide where to study, assess risks, and understand how your identity may shape your experience. Before you go, identify the resources that are right for you.

On campus, the LGBT Resource Center can be a great place to start.

Guides from the U.S. State Department provide useful tips, including for LGBTQI+ travelers. You can also find helpful information like how to select a gender marker on your U.S. passport and advice on how to go through TSA screenings most comfortably.

International Students

As an international student at Cornell, you have valuable experience in adapting to new cultures, navigating visa processes, and learning a new environment. You can add to your experience by studying outside the U.S. or your home country.

When planning to study abroad, it is important to check with International Services at Cornell to ensure you have the necessary visa documents to return to the U.S. as an international student. International Services can't provide advice on entry into other countries. Check out this useful page from International Services for international students planning to study abroad.

Religion and Spirituality

Whether or not you identify with a set of religious beliefs, you may see the impact of religion in your study abroad destination. Research religious traditions in your host country to better understand how beliefs and practices affect daily life. The U.S. Department of State religious freedom reports are a great place to start.

If you do practice a religion, your host country may not observe the same religious holidays, and you may need to explain your observances to local program staff or others. This is especially true if you require special housing or dietary accommodations.

There may also be local holidays you don't observe that can depart from your normal routine. Cornell's Office of Spirituality and Meaning-Making is a resource for you.

First-Generation College Students

If you're the first in your family to go to college, you and your family may have questions about the study abroad experience. You might want to talk about why leaving campus to pursue an international experience is important to your goals and adds value to your college years. Our guide to study abroad for students' families is a great place to get more information.

Cornell offers support to first-generation and low-income students through Student and Campus Life.