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BIPOC Abroad

 

If you identify as a racial and/or ethnic minority in the United States, you may have questions about what your education abroad experience will be like. Often times, but not always, BIPOC students find that while studying abroad they are perceived of first and foremost as a U.S. American (and all of the stereotypes attached to that), and secondarily as a member of their race or ethnicity. Some students choose an education abroad location where "blending in" just isn't an option. Others may be interested in studying in a country where they no longer appear to be a minority at all. 

Grappling with your identity abroad can be challenging. Knowing and being confident in yourself as a member of your identity group(s) prior to your term abroad can help. The Office of International Education and Global Initiatives at Binghamton University strives to create a safe and inclusive space for BIPOC students. Never hesitate to contact an advisor in the office for more information or to share your input or concerns. To schedule an appointment, please contact us at 607-777-2336 or email iegi@binghamton.edu.

Visit the Multicultural Resource Center (MRC) Website

General Resources:

The mission of Diversity Abroad is "to create equitable access to the benefits of global education by . . . connecting diverse students to resources and opportunity." The Diversity Abroad website is a launching point for student stories and other resources. Below is a series of questions for BIPOC students to consider when preparing for a term abroad.

Minority and Students of Color Abroad

Students Abroad in their Country of Heritage
 

The following are articles written by BIPOC education abroad alums that contain annotated tips for navigating your education abroad experience.

10 Tips for Being BIPOC Abroad, Elisabet Raquel García
 
Studying Abroad as a Minority, Berginald Rash 

BIPOC Resources:

The following two web pages list A TON of resources on various abroad-related topics and are searchable by racial and ethnic identity.

Race, Ethnicity, and Nationality While Away, University of California, Santa Cruz 

AllAbroad.us 


To supplement the resources above, here also are tips and student experiences shared by former BIPOC students abroad. 

AAPI Students 

Chinese-American and Asian in Argentina, Grace Mok

Asian in America, American in AsiaTimothy Valero


Black and African American Students 

Meaningful Travel Tips and Tales: African American Perspectives (a comprehensive collection of stories/guidebook by Goabroad.com) 

Black Student's Guide to Global Programs 2020-2021, Diversity Abroad


Indigenous Students

Indigenous Student Success Abroad, Northern Arizona University

American Indian Experience Abroad​, University of Minnesota


Latinx Students

Meaningful Travel Tips and Tales: Latinx Traveler Perspectives (a comprehensive collection of stories/guidebook by Goabroad.com)

Latinx Student's Guide to Global Programs 2020-2021, Diversity Abroad
 

How Do I Get More Information?

Email IEGI at iegi@binghamton.edu or visit the Multicultural Resource Center (MRC) website below.

Contact the Multicultural Resource Center (MRC)
 
Please note: The content within the resources provided were last reviewed in April 2024 and as such could have changed. Views expressed in links provided or in sub-links within the document do not necessarily reflect the views of the Office of International Education and Global Initiatives.