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Experiences & Perspectives

Self-Reflection

International Programs is committed to promoting respect, embracing cultural differences, fostering education, and encouraging self-reflection. We recognize that everyone’s lived experiences are different so we have complied resources and prompts for self-reflection that we hope will be helpful prepare to embrace other cultures, better understand the experiences of your peers, and embark on the experience of a lifetime.

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Student wellness is paramount to a successful study abroad experience. As you explore your identities abroad, it is important to consider your overall wellness throughout the process. Preparation, research, and self-care are at the heart of having a great experience abroad. While on the program, keep an open mind, withhold judgment, try new things, and explore who you are. After all, self-discovery is one of the greatest benefits of study abroad!

Here are some wellness reflection questions and tips to ponder before going abroad.

Overall Wellness

  • How do you plan to remain physically, emotionally, and mentally healthy while abroad?
  • Are you aware of the resources available to you at FSU in Tallahassee and abroad regarding personal health?
  • Familiarize yourself with the international health insurance included in your program fee and what it covers.
  • Consider how your involvement(s) at home may change while you are abroad (e.g., work, community involvement, clubs and organizations, academic commitments, etc.).

Physical & Sexual Wellness

  • Are you currently being treated for serious injury, condition, or disease? What will care for this look like abroad?
  • What does sexual health mean to you?
  • What does sexual safety mean to you?
  • Consider participating in on-campus workshops focused on relationship safety, such as Green Dot.

Mental Wellness

  • What strategies can you develop to manage the stressors of a new environment?
  • What do you need to successfully manage your mental health abroad? What steps will you take to address these needs?
  • Will you want to consult with a mental health professional while abroad?

Emotional & Social Wellness

  • What are you most looking forward to during this experience?
  • What experiences might challenge you while you are abroad?
  • What are you expecting to learn during this trip and how might traveling change you?
  • How do you plan to engage with other students and locals while abroad?
  • What do you need to feel prepared for this experience?

Medication & Nutrition

  • How likely are you to encounter allergies in your study abroad location? What steps will you take to minimize the risk and/or plan for treatment?
  • Have you considered how dietary restrictions can be accommodated abroad? Will your main source of nutrition be available abroad?
  • Will your medications (prescription or otherwise) be available abroad or do you need to bring them with you? Will you be able to replenish prescription medication while traveling?
  • Do you have medications you need to collect before going abroad? Do you need a larger quantity prescription than usual to accommodate how long you will be abroad?
  • Are there legal restrictions in your host country for any medications you are taking?

Financial Considerations

  • How do you plan to maintain financial wellness abroad?
  • How much money will you budget for recreation?
  • Have you found a way to manage your budget?
  • Are you aware of the currency exchange rates between your host country and the US?

Resources

While accessibility can look different abroad, International Programs wants to provide you with resources to help you have an enriching experience during your program. Understanding differences in accessibility resources and being prepared before you go abroad can help promote a smooth travel experience.

Reflection questions and tips to ponder before going abroad

  • If you have not registered with the FSU Office of Accessibility Services, be sure to do so if you would like to receive accommodations (e.g., extra test time). On the application, indicate you will be studying abroad.
  • If you are registered with the FSU Office of Accessibility Services, be sure to connect with your accessibility specialist to discuss how accommodations might apply while you are abroad.
  • Have you communicated your accommodation needs to International Programs?
  • What accommodations might you need while abroad (e.g., a refrigerator for medication, specific room needs, etc.)?
  • What financial obligations related to your disability (that are not covered by the provided health insurance) do you need to prepare for (e.g., medication, equipment, doctor’s visits and treatments, etc.)?
  • If your disability is mental-health related, what are specific environments, events, or situations that might trigger the aspects of your disability?
  • How could your study abroad program and its facilities, potential excursions, classes, etc. impact your experience?
  • Are you willing to disclose your disability to others? If so, how will you disclose your disability and to whom?
  • What are the cultural attitudes toward visible and invisible disabilities in your host country?
  • How accessible are places in your host country (consider unpaved roads, availability of elevators and ramps, etc.)?
  • How will you respond if people give you unsolicited help?
  • Consider how smaller class sizes and interactive learning experiences might be beneficial to your learning style.

Ideas for while you’re abroad

  • How can your disability both inform and enrich your experience while abroad?
  • How can you share your perspective of what you are learning and experiencing with your peers and others?

Resources

Being the first person in your family to go to college can come with unique concerns as you navigate the experience. With the abundance of information that comes with starting college, studying abroad might not be at the forefront of your mind. However, deciding to go abroad can open doors to a variety of incredible experiences that can benefit you during college and beyond!

Reflection questions and tips to ponder before going abroad

  • Consider the resources available to guide you through the study abroad process, (i.e., the IP website, deadline information, academic and financial advising, social media guides, etc.).
  • How can you explain the personal value of studying abroad to your family?
  • If your family has concerns about study abroad, be sure to contact IP to speak with someone about it.
  • How long are you willing to be away from family and friends?
  • How far away do you feel comfortable being from family and friends?

Ideas for while you’re abroad

  • Do you plan to stay in communication with your family and friends while abroad? If so, how will you maintain communication?
  • Do you plan to find a community with shared values and interests? If so, how?
  • How can you navigate feelings of nervousness or homesickness that may arise as a result of being abroad?

Resources

Perhaps the most impactful part of studying abroad is being immersed in another culture. In preparing to experience the culture of your host country, ponder how your own heritage, nationality, language skills, and citizenship might affect your travels abroad.

Reflection questions and tips to ponder before going abroad

  • Understand that if you are of the same nationality of the host country but were raised elsewhere, you may be identified as someone who is not native to the country.
  • If you are a person who shares the heritage of your host country but were raised elsewhere, how will you be perceived while abroad?
  • What does it mean to be bicultural?
  • Are you used to being part of the cultural minority at home? If so, how might it feel to be a part of the majority abroad?
  • How could your citizenship affect your visa status?
  • What are the perceptions of your home country in your host country?
  • Research the perception of English language use in your host country.
  • Learn basic phrases in your host country’s language before going abroad. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes – they’re a great way to learn!
  • What resources are available to you if there is a language barrier? What steps will you take to overcome this language barrier?

Ideas for while you’re abroad

  • Realize your potential advantage of speaking the host country’s language compared to your peers who do not.
  • If you are a person who shares the heritage of your host country, and it is your first time there, do not be discouraged if you are not adjusting as quickly as expected.
  • If you are a person who shares the heritage of your host country, what aspects of the culture do you relate to?

Resources

International Programs believes each person’s culture and background enrich experiences abroad. One of the best aspects of studying abroad is experiencing diversity in culture, ethnicity, and race in other countries. With that said, different countries have different racial and ethnic backgrounds. Before going abroad, research the diversity of the country, how certain groups of people are perceived, and what others who have gone before you have experienced.

Reflection questions and tips to ponder before going abroad

  • How will your race and/or ethnicity be perceived while in your host country?
  • Research your host country’s cultural norms.
  • Reach out to others about their experiences abroad regarding race and/or ethnicity.
  • Have you explored resources on campus that can support your efforts in understanding your race and/or ethnicity in a global context (e.g., Center for Global Engagement, Student Government Agencies, etc.)?
  • Consider the availability in your host country of products and services you utilize (e.g., hair care, skin care, etc.).
  • Consider how people may react to how they perceive your identity.
  • Will you be perceived as being the majority race/ethnicity in your host country?

Ideas for while you’re abroad

  • If you experience stares or discrimination in your host country, how will you react? Is it appropriate to respond openly to such gestures? If so, how can you do so respectfully?
  • How can your racial and/or ethnic background inform and enrich your experience abroad?

Resources

An important part of being abroad is exploring what you believe and learning about what others believe and how they live their lives. Pondering the role religion may or may not play in your life is useful as you journey to a country where the minority and majority religions and laws regarding religion may be different than what you’re used to.

Reflection questions and tips to ponder before going abroad

  • Is religion a prevalent part of the culture in which you will be studying?
  • How does your host country view certain religions? How does your host country view atheists/agnostics?
  • Will you be part of the religious minority or majority in your host country?
  • Recognize that access to places of worship may vary while abroad.
  • Is it safe for you to wear religious clothing and/or symbols in your host country?
  • How will you feel participating in academic and cultural excursions to places of worship? How can you be respectful of those places of worship?
  • If you have religious dietary restrictions, how will they be accommodated in your host country?
  • How will you communicate your religious needs to those you are living with?

Ideas for while you’re abroad

  • Recognize that in some countries there is no separation between church and state.
  • Be respectful of local laws regarding religion.

Resources

As you prepare to go abroad, think about your LGBTQIA+ identity within a global context – including cultural attitudes and perceptions. Research and reflect before going abroad and think about other social identities you may have that could affect your experience overseas.

International Programs has students, staff, and faculty who identify as LGBTQIA+ and many allies who are an important part of our IP family. Many IP staff members around the globe have participated in the Allies & Safe Zones trainings and are an available resource to you.

Reflection questions and tips to ponder before going abroad

  • How does your study abroad location view the LGBTQIA+ community?
  • Research your host country and its cultural practices, beliefs, and laws.
  • Participate in FSU Allies & Safe Zones workshops.
  • Speak with a trusted mentor or campus resource (e.g., Pride Student Union) about your thoughts on going abroad.
  • How could your gender expression or sexual orientation impact your study abroad experience?

Ideas for while you’re abroad

  • Is there a local LGBTQIA+ community you can connect with or resources for you while abroad?
  • Do you plan to stay in touch with your support system? If so, how will you do that?
  • If possible, what can you do to create bonds of trust among your cohort and create a support system while abroad (e.g., sharing and honoring pronouns)?

Resources

Study abroad is an important financial decision and hopefully these tips and reflection points will help you navigate the process of planning your finances before and during your time abroad. The key to successfully financing your trip abroad is research. Do your research on the many scholarships available to help fund study abroad, how your existing financial aid may apply, and what is included in your program fee. The world is within your reach, but it takes a bit of work to figure out how to make all the pieces come together. But don’t worry, we’re here to help get you there.

Reflection questions and tips to ponder before going abroad

  • Consider meeting with International Programs’ financial aid advisor before applying and/or before departure to plan how you can afford to go abroad.
  • Can your financial aid be applied towards the cost of your program? If so, are there any eligibility requirements for financial aid?
  • Be sure to research scholarship opportunities early in the process for options on how to fund your study abroad experience.
  • When are scholarship deadlines? Do you need to plan ahead for letters of recommendation?
  • What amenities are and are not included in your study abroad program?
  • Could there be any additional or unexpected costs (e.g., extra baggage fees, clothing, personal travel, etc.)?
  • What is the cost of living in your host country compared to home?
  • Develop a budget before you go abroad of how much you will spend while there (e.g., food, transportation, cell phone, activities).
  • How will you be respectful of other students who may have larger or smaller spending budgets than you?

Ideas for while you’re abroad

  • Stick to your budget.
  • How will you communicate your financial boundaries with your peers who may have different expectations than you?
  • Are there any student discounts on dining, sight-seeing, etc.?
  • Are there affordable sight-seeing activities available within your host country?

Resources

As a collegiate athlete, your sport can be demanding – but there is an entire world out there waiting to be explored! Studying abroad can be an opportunity to consider your identity outside of your sport. While your participation in your sport may not last a lifetime, memories and lessons learned while abroad certainly will!

Reflection questions and tips to ponder before going abroad

  • Talk to your coach about going abroad.
  • With your coach, come up with a communication and training plan that is reasonably attainable based on your program, courses, and resources.
  • Search for opportunities to continue training in your program location (i.e., available facilities, other athletic opportunities for cross-training, etc.).
  • Is it possible to use your time abroad as a mental and physical break from your sport?
  • Will your athletic aid apply to your program? What other scholarship opportunities or funding options exist?
  • How will you balance your academics, training, and international experience?

Ideas for while you’re abroad

  • Reflect on what is important to you outside of your sport.
  • Enjoy the moment! If you can, try not to stress about training and competition. Think about how your mind and body might benefit from the rest.

Resources

GoAbroad.com – Common Myths About Studying Abroad as a Student Athlete

As a veteran or military-connected student, you may have served or are currently serving in a country outside the United States. Reflecting on that experience can help prepare you for your academic endeavor in a foreign country.

Reflection questions and tips to ponder before going abroad

  • How do your veteran/military benefits apply to you while studying abroad (e.g., VA, DoD, etc.)?
  • Will you need to list your military service on your visa application? If so, how might that affect your visa?
  • As an active-military student, how do you obtain clearance before traveling out of the country?
  • How will any security clearances you have be affected by you studying abroad?
  • In addition to your military passport, will you also need and do you have a civilian passport?
  • As part of your military service or training, will you need to maintain a fitness regimen while abroad? If so, will there be facilities for you to use?

Ideas for while you’re abroad

  • How can your distinct perspectives and previous global endeavors contribute to particular experiences while studying abroad?
  • How will your military service be received among locals in your host country?
  • Has the US military been involved in prior action with or in your host country? If so, what is the perception of those actions among locals?

Resources

Studying abroad as a women can be liberating and exciting, but there are also unique considerations to traveling as a women. Prepare yourself by researching local laws and traditions regarding women in your host country. Be comfortable as yourself abroad while staying aware of your surroundings and thinking about how you could be perceived while traveling.

Reflection questions and tips to ponder before going abroad

  • What are the social norms and practices related to gender in your host country?
  • In your host country, traditionally, what role do women play?
  • Are there traditional expectations surrounding dress in the location you are traveling to? Consider requirements for entering historic, government, and religious sites specifically.
  • What strategies can you use to ensure your safety while abroad? Consider the buddy system, having a communication plan, etc.

Ideas for while you’re abroad

  • Going outside of your comfort zone can be a great learning experience, but how can you maintain your safety and mental health if an experience is more uncomfortable than you expected?
  • How could your perspective as a women inform and enrich your experience abroad?

Resources

Projects & Plan

Mission Statement


As a member of the FSU community, International Programs (IP) is committed to values of diversity and inclusion at home and abroad. The IP Diversity & Inclusion team strives to promote respect, embrace differences, foster education, and encourage self-reflection for students, staff, and faculty. We recognize that everyone’s lived experiences are different, so our aim is to create resources for individuals to develop and understand their personal identities while gaining respect for others’ identities and lived experiences.


Projects


Current & Future

  • Updating policies and procedures to be in line with the 6th Edition of the Standards of Good Practice set by The Forum on Education Abroad related to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
  • Partnering with other offices on campus to provide programming and assistance for various student communities
  • Developing more comprehensive training for our faculty and staff members both in Tallahassee and abroad
  • Continuing to engage in conversations with our staff members about how to make study abroad more inclusive
  • Host a podcast to showcase the diverse experiences of students, staff, faculty, and alumni

Past

  • Created Mapping Your Identities booklet with the assistance of a student focus group
  • Cohosted webinar with the Office of Accessibility Services (OAS) for students interested in studying abroad with disability related needs
  • Conducted Allies & Safe Zones trainings for staff in Tallahassee and abroad
  • Added this Diversity & Inclusion page to our website as a resource for students
  • Engaged in conversations about how to make study abroad more inclusive with office-wide Lunch and Learn sessions

Student Voices

At IP we believe that study abroad is an experience worth sharing and that our unique differences should be celebrated. Below you’ll find a list of blog posts, podcast episodes, quotes, and more highlighting diverse student voices. This list is by no means comprehensive, and we are continually adding to it.

If you have a story you would like to share with us, let us know by filling out this short survey or by emailing IP-Media@fsu.edu. We can’t wait to hear from you.


Blog Posts & Articles


FSU

Other



Podcasts


FSU

Other


Meet the Team & Contact Us!

Contact Us


If you have any questions or would like to talk to a member of our team, you can contact us by emailing IP-Diversity@fsu.edu. If you are interested in telling your story on our blog or podcast, email IP-Media@fsu.edu.



Meet the Team


Zoë Crook


Study abroad can be a life-changing, formative experience for students – I know for me it was. Which is exactly why I wanted to be part of IP’s Diversity and Inclusion team. I want to work to make study abroad more accessible and inclusive for all students. Study abroad encourages people of different backgrounds to come together in understanding and growth, and a diverse cohort enhances that experience. I hope the work we do can help promote diversity within the study abroad industry.