Preparing the Next Generation
of Global Leaders

Guide to Living Abroad

  • Students with Disabilities in Japan

    Physical and mental disabilities used to arouse powerful feelings of shame across Japan and students with physical disabilities may experience stares and some disrespectful comments.

  • Being LGBTQ+ in Japan

    How has my identity affected my study abroad experience? As identities go, nothing about me makes me particularly outwardly distinctive, at least in Japan. As a half-Chinese cis-gendered woman, I loo…

  • Religious & Spiritual Students in Japan

    While Japan provides all religions religious freedom; other religions are a small minority, which means it may be difficult for you to find places to practice, but you should not encounter harassment…

  • LGBTQIA+ Students in Japan

    Japan is still a very socially conservative culture. So much so, the acronym “LGBTQIA+” is still not very well known and the first law allow same-sex domestic partnerships was passed in 2015. Younger…

  • Students of Color in Japan

    These tips for students of color are intended to serve as an overview and are not exhaustive. Be sure to research your destination thoroughly as your identity can have a significant impact on your ex…

  • Exploring Environmentalism in Europe

    The best part of this new learning experience is that we not only look through the lens of Europe, but also compare what Europe is doing in terms of environmentalism to other major nations such as th…

  • Students with Disabilities in Australia

    Generally, Australia is very accessible with streets, public transportation, facilities and other infrastructure suited to meet the needs of the country’s disabled population. However, you should alw…

  • Women Students in Australia

    You may experience catcalling in urban areas in Australia, and should also be aware of pickpocketing. Despite these concerns, taking reasonable precautions should ensure safety while studying abroad.…

  • LGBTQIA+ Students in Australia

    Although Australia is a popular study abroad destination for American students, LGBTQIA+ students should be aware that there is still some discrimination against the LGBTQIA+ community.

  • Religious & Spiritual Students in Australia

    Christianity is the primary religion practiced in Australia. Christian students will have no problem finding faith communities. Students that practice Islam will find small, but growing numbers of fo…

  • Students on a Budget in Australia

    You don’t have to break the bank to have an enjoyable and memorable experience in Australia! Saving up for your trip ahead of time, making a budget and planning your must-see and do’s can be essentia…

  • Students of Color in Australia

    Australia is generally accepting of people of various cultures and ethnicities. Students of color should be aware that Australia is over 92% white. You may experience stares simply because people are…

  • Students on a Budget in China

    You don’t have to break the bank to have an enjoyable and memorable experience in China! Saving up for your trip ahead of time, making a budget and planning your must-see and do’s can be essential to…

  • LGBTQ Students in China

    In general, while China may not explicitly oppose LGBTQ identities, the country socially holds prejudice and stigma toward these groups. These beliefs lie largely among the older generation and conse…

  • Students of Color in China

    The following information will not determine your experience in China, but addresses some of the experiences shared by other students who have participated in a global program in China. While some of…

  • Learning a New Way of Life in Barcelona

    Acclimating to my new home in Barcelona, Spain has been an experience like I never imagined. I, as well as another study abroad student, live in an apartment with a widow named Montse. She is so swee…

  • Discovering Diversity in Granada

    I have officially survived my first week as a study abroad student in Granada, Spain. Since my arrival, I have met people from all over the world and explored some of my new city. Granada is such a s…

  • My Take on Being LGBTQ+ in Spain

    As a member of the LGBTQ community, I had many concerns regarding my safety prior to studying abroad. There has been lots of progress made in favor of gay rights, but there is still a long way to go.

  • Students on a Budget in Italy

    You don’t have to break the bank to have an enjoyable and memorable experience in Italy! Saving up for your trip ahead of time, making a budget and planning your must-see and do’s can be essential to…

  • Women Students in Italy

    Recently, Italy ranked 82 on the global index of equitable opportunity for women according to the 2017 Global Gender Gap Report representing a significant lag behind other Westernized countries. As a…

  • Students with Disabilities in Italy

    Italy is a modern country that has significant infrastructure in place for students with physical disabilities. Even at historic attractions, student will find ramps and entrances specifically for us…

  • LGBTQIA+ Students in Italy

    While there is widespread tolerance of homosexuality in Italy, the prominence of Catholicism in Italy has meant that homosexuality is treated as civil, but not criminal, deviance.

  • Religious & Spiritual Students in Italy

    The traditional and religious majority in Italy ascribe to Catholicism - both the Vatican and the Roman Catholic Church are located in Italy. Islam is the second most practiced religion, however it i…

  • Students of Color in Italy

    Although many Italians do not consider their country to be racist, U.S. perceptions appear to differ. Many U.S. travelers feel that Italy is not, by and large a racist country. However, in discussion…