At Loyola Marymount University, we are committed to fostering an environment of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging for all international travelers. We recognize that travel and international experiences provide a unique opportunity to engage with different cultures, perspectives, and communities. It is essential that all travelers feel respected, valued, and supported throughout their journeys.
We strive to create an inclusive environment where individuals from all backgrounds — regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, ability, or socioeconomic status — can thrive. We encourage travelers to engage thoughtfully with the cultures they encounter, recognizing the importance of cultural sensitivity and mutual respect. Our goal is to ensure that everyone feels empowered to share their authentic selves and has access to the resources and support needed for a meaningful, enriching experience abroad.
As you travel and study internationally, we encourage you to embrace the diversity around you, challenge assumptions, and contribute to creating spaces where all voices are heard and respected. Together, we can make the global community more inclusive, welcoming, and interconnected for everyone.
Below, you'll find a list of cultural and identity-based topics to consider as you prepare to go abroad. This list is not exhaustive, and if you have questions about a specific aspect of your identity or would like to see additional resources, please don't hesitate to contact us at internationaltravel@lmu.edu.
For each topic, we've included a link to a resource document that provides a variety of external resources related to identity and diversity abroad.
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Identity and cultural differences are very important to explore while you are considering and/or preparing to go abroad, after you've chosen your program, and even important to continue to think about as you navigate a new culture.
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When you're the first person in your family to go abroad, you might spend a lot of time explaining what you're doing and why. People may share stories about someone who went on a cruise and caught norovirus, or talk endlessly about a relative who served in the war. Your grandma might warn you about "the ISIS," or everyone at home might assume you're going abroad as a missionary. On the flip side, you might find that no one fully understands or wants to discuss your experience, or your family may not support your decision to go abroad. It's up to you to educate them about what studying abroad really entails and how it will help you grow.
Take time to research your host country, your program, and how this experience will benefit you academically, professionally, and personally. Make a list of these benefits so you're prepared to answer their questions confidently.
You've already made an important first step by learning about the programs and opportunities ahead, but you might still face additional challenges — like applying for a program, buying tickets, applying for a student visa, securing a passport, understanding grade conversions, and so on. Remember that the Study Abroad office, along with the International Travel Health & Safety office, are here to help. Many of the staff members were the first in their families to study and/or travel abroad, and we understand how daunting it can be to board that plane and navigate an unfamiliar airport. We're here to support you every step of the way.
How to Prepare
- If you are confused by all the paperwork required to go abroad, ask your Study Abroad advisor or Program Coordinator to help you fill out required documents and explain them to you.
- Before you depart, work with your family to establish a communication plan and a regular method of communication. Figure out what works best — text messaging, Skype, email — and then figure out the best times to communicate once you are in different time zones.
- Set realistic expectations for communication. You might not be able to talk every day, so establish a goal now. It will help you maintain balance abroad and keep your family from worrying.
- Encourage a family member to get a passport in case of an emergency. Although rare, if you did have an international emergency, it's good to know someone would have the ability to fly to you if needed.
- If you haven't flown internationally before, ask questions! Your Study Abroad Advisor can make recommendations on flights and help explain what the flight and layovers will be like. Research the airports you'll be in, the airlines, and what it will be like to go through immigration, customs, and different time zones.
- Consider keeping a blog. Be honest and narrate your experience for your family. This can help keep them engaged with you while you are abroad, and when you return home, they'll be able to ask you about your specific experiences. It's also a great way to remember what you did and how you were feeling.
- Keep your Study Abroad contact information handy. If you have a problem abroad, don't hesitate to ask questions and seek advice.
- You can always contact the International Travel Health & Safety Office at internationaltravel@lmu.edu or through WhatsApp.
Questions to Consider
- What mentors, advisors, family, and friends do I rely on while I'm in school, and how can I maintain my support system abroad?
- What services do I use on campus (advising, tutoring, student organizations, libraries, computer labs), and will I have access to similar services when I am abroad?
- What new experiences and situations am I most nervous about? How can I prepare now to lessen my fears?
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Understanding of gender identity and sexuality varies widely in cultures across the globe. If you're an LGBTQ+ student thinking about going abroad, here are a few things to consider:
- Yes, it is very possible to feel safe and supported and have a GREAT time studying abroad.
- LGBTQ+ students face a unique set of challenges when traveling.
- Bigotry and discrimination is going to show up in different ways in different countries.
- Our partner universities and education abroad providers have resources, information, and support services just for students like you.
- Some countries support LGBTQ+ communities more than the US.
Why should LGBTQ+ students look into traveling abroad?
Traveling abroad can be a great way to stand out when beginning your career and a means to build your self-knowledge, which can make an impact when applying for jobs and promoting yourself. There's a whole list of transferable skills you can gain, such as problem-solving, next-level confidence, independence, and cultural awareness. Experience related to your desired career field is also a big plus!
By doing some research, planning, and reflecting ahead of time, you can be empowered to find a supportive program or activity that fits your needs, addresses your concerns, and you can talk to your family about before going abroad.
Questions to consider while you're doing your research
- What are the laws regarding homosexuality and gender identity in the host country?
- LMU recommends following the laws of your host country.
- Know the difference between laws & culture.
- Some countries have laws that are discriminatory against LGBTQ+ people, but the modern-day culture doesn't practice them and is very welcoming to the queer community. Signs a destination may be more accepting than their laws include:
- Queer-friendly bars, businesses, and accommodations
- LGBTQ+ community events
- 'Gayborhoods, ' or areas known for their queer community and establishments (think: Castro District in San Francisco, The Pink Triangle in Scotland, etc.)
- What is the social attitude towards the LGBTQ+ community in the host country? Are there any current news stories about LGBTQ+ events? Are there any LGBTQ+ publications, advocacy organizations, or establishments in the area?
- Are sexual orientation and gender identity openly discussed or taboo in my host country? How LGBTQ+-friendly are the host institutions? Will I be staying with a host family who may or may not be accepting if I come out?
- If there are safety issues for LGBTQ+ people, will you alter your behavior? Will you be "out"? Will you come out to your host institution, classmates, locals?
- If your destination is a country that is accepting towards LGBT people, will you explore the local LGBTQ+ culture?
- You can always reach out to the International Health & Safety office at internationaltravel@lmu.edu or through WhatsApp with questions or concerns.
- Some countries have laws that are discriminatory against LGBTQ+ people, but the modern-day culture doesn't practice them and is very welcoming to the queer community. Signs a destination may be more accepting than their laws include:
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Veterans and active-duty military members will need to work closely with the appropriate benefits office, officers (if applicable), and Study Abroad to ensure a smooth study abroad experience. ROTC students will want to speak with their reporting officer about expectations for their study abroad experience. Throughout the experience, be organized, stay on top of your paperwork, and stay cognizant of how your military association may impact your interactions with locals abroad.
Financial Considerations
If you want to use VA benefits, ROTC scholarships, or other forms of aid related to military service, you must plan ahead. Be financially prepared. You may not be eligible for your Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) or it may be delayed. Have a backup plan in case that funding does not come through.
Using Veterans Benefits to Study Abroad
Many veterans and veteran dependents are able to use their benefits to help fund their study abroad experience. If you are interested in using your VA benefits to assist in payment of a study abroad program, you will need to work closely with Study Abroad & LMU's Veterans' Benefits Coordinator to find the program that fits the requirements of the VA and your study abroad goals. VA will only cover tuition on LMU faculty-led programs (where students enroll in LMU courses and tuition costs are billed through LMU) or VA approved universities that are listed under the VA WEAMS database of approved institutions. VA benefits cannot be used to pay study abroad related fees (program fees) unless study abroad is a required part of your degree. VA benefits cannot pay third-party/study abroad program providers/companies. The BAH is available if the program is an approved study abroad program through VA. Study Abroad provides cost breakdowns showing tuition and program fees on all online program brochure pages.
In general, these conditions must be met:
- Study abroad programs must be approved by the VA (LMU study abroad program) or University listed on the VA WEAMS database.
- Students must be enrolled in courses that will apply to their degree program.
- The courses at the "host" school in the foreign country must be approved and apply towards degree.
- VA cannot pay any fees specific to studying abroad (study abroad program fees) unless the student is required to study abroad as part of their degree.
If you are a veteran or dependent of a veteran and you are interested in using your funding, please make sure you complete all the forms with LMU's Veterans Program office.
Security Clearance
Worried about a current or future security clearance? Create a spreadsheet to store sustained foreign contact information for serious connections you make abroad. Keep track of your addresses abroad and details for two references per address. You can check out the Questionnaire for National Security Positions SF-86 (PDF) form for more info.
Questions to consider while you're doing your research
- Will I need to list my military service on a visa application, and how will I do so?
- Do I need to maintain a fitness regimen, and what facilities will be available?
- How will I discuss my military experience with locals, and how might it be perceived?
- Has the U.S. military been involved in prior action with or in my host country? What is the perception of those military actions among locals?
- How will any prior international experiences shape my perceptions during my program?
- How will the academic and cultural context abroad shape this international experience?
You can always reach out to the International Health & Safety office at internationaltravel@lmu.edu or through WhatsApp with questions or concerns.
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Some societies are more open and accepting of racial and ethnic diversity than others, or just more well-versed in talking about racial and ethnic differences. People abroad have different cultural norms and can be less "politically correct" than people in the U.S. For example, it may be a cultural norm in your host country to be more direct in asking questions about one's background.
People react differently to looks and behaviors to which they are not accustomed, just as they do in the U.S. Be aware that people may generalize or incorrectly identify your ethnicity.
Racial and ethnic minority students have a wide range of experiences abroad. Some may be faced with the possibility of outright racism abroad and/or the possibility of insensitive attitudes, while others may find more accepting communities abroad than they feel they have at home. It is important to be prepared if an incident does arise and to know what supports are available on your program to help you manage them, but at the same time, keep an open mind about your experience and try not to go into it expecting racism or discrimination to occur.
Know that sometimes there can be a range of diversity among your program cohort and many questions and conversations around race and ethnicity might come from this group.
By doing some research, planning, and reflecting ahead of time, you can be empowered to find a supportive program or activity that fits your needs, addresses your concerns, and you can talk to your family about before going abroad.
Questions to consider while you're doing your research
- How is my ethnic group perceived in my host country? What kind of stereotypes are there?
- How should I react if I find something to be offensive?
- Is the person curious or do they have bad intentions?
- Has my host family housed minority students before? If not, will this be an issue for them?
- Am I used to being part of the majority at home but will be a minority abroad? Or vice versa?
- Will there be other minority students in my program?
- Who will I contact if I do face racial or discriminatory incidents?
- Does my program have support staff that will understand and help me through any racial or discriminatory incident I may face?
- If you have questions or concerns, you can always reach out to the International Health & Safety office at internationaltravel@lmu.edu or through WhatsApp.
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In the United States, you may never have considered yourself a minority because of your religion, but going abroad can make you very aware of religious beliefs. Locals might be curious and interested to learn about your traditions and vice versa.
However, common misconceptions, differing levels of religious sensitivities, and general ignorance may make your experience frustrating at times. Your religion or ethnicity should never have a negative effect on your overall study abroad experience, but it is important to be well informed before traveling.
Tips
- For religious support abroad, research resources available in your host country to discover places of worship, along with organizations you can connect with.
- Gather information via internet research or speaking with those who are familiar with your host country on how your religion may be welcomed.
- Do some research to gain a general understanding of the predominant religion in your host country. This can give you a better understanding of different cultural and religious customs you may experience.
- Demonstrate respect for other religions besides your own, wear appropriate attire when required. If you are unsure about what is appropriate, be sure to ask!
- If possible, attend a religious gathering in your host country with your program or host family, this can help you gain a better sense of a differing religious perspective.
You can always reach out to the International Health & Safety office at internationaltravel@lmu.edu or through WhatsApp with questions or concerns.