Study Abroad: Dealing with Gender, Race, Ethnicity, Sexual Orientation

Gender roles: Back to the Dark Ages?

Coming from a country where so much attention and effort has been given to the equality of the sexes and women shattering the glass ceiling, you may find your host country's treatment or view of women disappointing or disturbing. Or perhaps you will be surprised that your host country is more advanced than the U.S. in the way it treats women. Growing up in the U.S. has given you a perspective of gender roles that may differ from your host country's expectations of male and female roles. Realize that host nationals view you in light of the gender constructs that prevail in the host culture. This can occasionally make you feel uncomfortable, particularly during the beginning of your stay.

Before departing, try to understand the gender roles in the culture to which you are traveling. Remember that what may be appropriate and friendly behavior in the U.S. could bring you unwanted attention in your new country.

Perceptions of American women

The American pop culture that manages to find its way to other countries hasn't exactly helped the image of the American woman (think Baywatch, Jerry Springer, and Brittany Spears). In fact, TV, movies, and advertising have created a distorted stereotype of the cheap and easy American woman. Furthermore, in some places throughout the world, American women maintain a lifestyle that sharply contrasts with traditional behavior for women.

With these things in mind, realize that simple things, such as a smile, a hairstyle, or the way you carry yourself or make eye contact, can have different interpretations abroad than they do at home. Body language reflects cultural differences: U.S. students often report that people do not understand that their familiar way with strangers is a gesture of friendship.

Behave conservatively until you figure out the most appropriate way to act in your new home. Ask for advice from a local friend. Respecting the social rules helps your relationships with host nationals.

Check out the following resources for additional information on women travelers:

• Half the Earth: Women's Experiences of Travel Worldwide, edited by Miranda Davies et. al., published in U.S.A. by Routledge and Kegan Paul.
• Women Travel: Adventures, Advice and Experience, edited by Natania Jansz and Miranda Davies, published by Prentice Hall, New York (1992).
• A Journey of One's Own: Uncommon Advice for the Independent Woman Traveler, by Thelia Zepatos, published by The Eighth Mountain Press, Portland (1992).
• www.journeywoman.com: Online travel magazine for women.

Harassment happens: What you can do

You probably rarely experience men whistling or hooting at women (unless the guys are drunk). However, believe it or not, this type of behavior is common in other cultures. While abroad, you may notice men staring at you or making comments as you walk down the street. Ignore it as best you can. This behavior isn't necessarily culturally acceptable, but you're getting this attention because you're foreign.

If you encounter uncomfortable situations and behaviors, try using one of the following tactics:

• Gain control of the conversation. You start asking the questions. Initiate rather than react. Change the subject to something neutral, like literature or history. Maintain a gracious sense of humor.
• Be direct and specific. Tell the other person that you want him or her to stop whatever is making you uncomfortable. Stay calm, serious, and use body language that coincides with your words. Don't giggle, smile, or apologize! This could undermine your message.

Cultural differences never excuse verbal or physical abuse. If you find yourself in such a situation, try to remove yourself from it as quickly as possible, confront the person, or ask others (your program director, other women, or local authorities) for help.

Playing the dating game

If you want to date, have fun, but first find out the "dating rules" from a local friend. Always keep in mind the differences between your culture and your host culture; therefore, you should be more cautious about dating than you are in the U.S. In some cultures, the American notion of casually dating several people at once is unheard of. In some places, if you date, you are in a relationship; thus, dating two people at once is cheating!

Americans are much more accustomed to having close friends of the opposite sex than other cultures are. For example, American women used to having male friends may not realize that just being seen with a man, talking with a man, or going out with a man has a different "meaning" than intended. Always ask yourself, what do my actions mean in the culture I am in? Is that what I intend? If not, change your behavior so that you don't send unintended messages.

Keeping your guard up

You want to have fun and experience life while abroad, but be sure to understand and respect the inherent differences between your culture and theirs. Check out the following dos and don'ts.

To ensure a smooth and safe experience,

• Do respect the culture, whether you agree or disagree you are not there to change it or start a feminist movement; you are there to learn about the culture.
• Do try to integrate into the community. This includes making friends with local women, interacting with men according to the local customs, and dressing and acting according to local customs.
• Do stay in control of yourself and situations at all times; you need your senses to protect you, so stay sober and alert.
• Do practice the buddy system, particularly in social situations. Have at least one other person whom you trust with you to help you in problematic situations (such as someone spiking your drink). Traveling in groups is always a safe idea.
• Do develop an awareness of any potential safety issues when you go somewhere for the first time.
• Do say "no" to any invitation you don't want.
• Do trust your gut: Pay attention to that little voice in your head that says, "Something isn't right," and remove yourself from the situation. If you're offered a ride and you feel some anxiety, decline the offer. If you're in a place that makes you nervous, leave. If your instincts send you warning signals, listen to them.

To avoid any possible mishap,

• Don't give your address to someone you don't trust.
• Don't go to a secluded area (or even be alone in your room) with a man whom you don't know well.
• Don't make judgments about your safety based on another person's appearance or financial status. Remember that looks can be deceiving!
• Don't behave like you do in the U.S. Experience a different way of life, assimilate into your new home, and join the community.
• Don't think that you are giving up yourself by conforming to local customs. Instead, realize that you are expanding your horizons. You may appreciate the choices you have as an American female when you return home!

Sexual orientation

Attitudes and tolerance toward gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT) students vary from country to country as they do within the U.S. While some countries may afford GLBT students more privileges and legal protections than the U.S. does, other countries are less accepting and may pose greater challenges than you experience at home.

Realize that homosexuality may have a different definition in your host country than it does at home. Cultures vary in terms of what they consider appropriate behavior and how they understand sexual identity. In spite of a global trend in support of GLBT rights that has brought the issue of homosexuality to the public's attention in many countries, GLBT people are still met with harassment and violence in some places. Basically, the level of acceptance varies based on the set of social norms in each country, city, or neighborhood.

While U.S. study abroad offices/programs are welcoming and inclusive of GLBT perspectives, in-country staff members and faculty may be part of a different cultural climate. Depending on how you're received by the program office abroad, you may need to look outside your program for support or GLBT community information.

In order to help ease transitions both before you go abroad and before you return home, I provide the following tips to get you started.

Before you go

Before you go, you need to do two things: reflect and learn.

Think about how your identity as a GLBT person may affect your study abroad experience. How will you choose to act on your GLBT identity while abroad? Does your right to be GLBT in the U.S. conflict with your destination's religious or cultural values and traditions?

If you are "out" at home, you are leaving a support system of friends and family; some GLBT students have described being abroad as a second coming out. You may need to reestablish your identity overseas. See whether you can find information on the support systems (meeting places and organizations) available in your host country before you go abroad. When possible, talk with other people who have gone abroad as GLBT students, especially if they studied in your host country. When you get settled in your new home, seek out other GLBT students from the host country who can act as a resource for you.

Find out about laws related to sexuality in your host country. Homosexuality is still illegal in some countries and may even carry consequences as serious as the death penalty. For safety's sake, you may need you to hide your sexual identity. Are you willing to hide your sexual orientation? If not, you may want to reconsider where you study. Research the country's laws on age of consent and traveling with print or other materials on sexual orientation.

The legal system in your host country may not protect victims when issues of sexual orientation or other behavior are involved.

GLBT students need to gather as much information as possible regarding the social climate and behavioral norms in the host country. As I mention in the section on gender, behavioral signals that mean one thing in the U.S. may mean something different in your new home. For example, in the Middle East, hand-holding among males is a custom of special friendship and respect and does not imply homosexuality.

Things such as eye contact, a smile, or a touch may be grossly misinterpreted in a foreign culture, and depending on the situation, the consequences can be serious. Physical harassment, assault, and rape are very real issues that everyone needs to consider when interacting in foreign cultures, because of the distinct possibility that behavior will be misunderstood.

Before coming home

If you choose to come out while abroad, this is bound to affect your return to your life in the U.S. Be aware before you come back home of the ways you may have changed. Reintegrating yourself into friend and family relationships may be difficult and you may need to seek out a supportive community. You may have to come out all over again when you return home. Keep in mind that family and friends may dismiss your sexual orientation as a temporary change because of your time abroad, instead of acknowledging that this is part of your identity. Check out Chapter 20 later in this book about reentry shock.

For more information on GLBT issues around the globe, check out www.indiana.edu/~overseas/lesbigay/index.html for an extensive bibliography, GLBT organization list, and links to GLBT Web sites. Other good resources that provide sections on issues of interest to GLBT travelers include Let's Go and The Real World Travel Guides.

Race and ethnicity

Definitions of race and ethnicity vary from culture to culture. Undeniably, racism exists abroad, just as it does at home. You may experience different obstacles or privileges because of your race or ethnicity than you do at home. Or you may suddenly find yourself in a culture where you're no longer part of a minority group, but instead belong to the majority. Another possibility is that people from your host country will not think you are American until you tell them " and this can be an advantage or a disadvantage, depending on how you look at it. African Americans studying in South America are often assumed to be from Brazil or Cuba, and Asian Americans are often assumed to be from the country where their parents or grandparents are from.

In the past, myths about how minority students are treated abroad have prevented members of different ethnic groups from venturing overseas. However, a recent push among U.S. colleges is encouraging minority students to study abroad. Study abroad programs here in the U.S. are striving to be more reflective of the diversity in this country and are making an extra effort to attract various ethnic groups. As a result, the number of minority students spending a semester or year away from home is quickly increasing.

Information on student abroad experiences relating to diversity is far from abundant, although many universities are collecting data on this issue. In the meantime, if you're trying to evaluate a potential study abroad opportunity, pursue the usual channels for information: program reviews in the study abroad office, returned students, as well as members of your ethnic group at your home university.

Additionally, if your home university has advisers for various ethnic groups, they may have heard of good study abroad programs for minorities. Another resource is academic departments on campus, such as the African studies department and the Chinese, Japanese, or Spanish departments. Ask potential study abroad programs if they have had minority students study on their program. If so, is it possible for you to get in touch with them? Furthermore, what kinds of support does your program offer to minority students studying abroad?

Seek out your ethnic community in your host country. They can provide invaluable support, help you find your way around, and explain social/cultural norms.

Remember that you are studying abroad to understand a new culture, not change it! Do not expect to be able to fight racism all by yourself and alter what could be deeply entrenched racial prejudices in your host country.

Some helpful resources include

• Diversity Issues in Study Abroad. A compilation of Brown University student comments from countries around the world. Web site www.brown.edu/Administration/OIP/files/links/.
• Go Girl! The Black Woman's Guide to Travel and Adventure byLee Elaine (editor), published by Eighth Mountain Press.
• The Chronicle of Higher Education and Transitions Abroad often publish articles regarding minority students and study abroad. "Top Ten Reasons for African American Students to Go Abroad," Transitions, July/August 1998. "Students of Color Abroad," Transitions, July/August 1995.
• "The Participation of Historically Underrepresented Students in Study Abroad Programs: An Assessment of Interest and Perception of Barriers" by A. Carroll. (Master's thesis, Colorado State University, 1996.)
• "Asian American Students: Study Abroad Participation, Perspectives and Experiences" by Thuy Doan. (Master's thesis, University of Minnesota, 2002.)

Dealing with disabilities

If you think that your disability prevents you from spending a semester or a year abroad " think again! Increasing numbers of students with disabilities are embarking on study abroad adventures as part of their college experiences.

Good places to seek information regarding study abroad for students with disabilities include your home university's Disabled Student Services office as well as Mobility International USA (MIUSA). MIUSA works to help people with disabilities pursue opportunities in international exchange and development programs. Check out their Web site www.miusa.org, which is loaded with resources for students with disabilities, including links to a network that connects students interested in study abroad with returned students.

Realize that the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) does not apply overseas, although some countries may have similar legislation. Consult your study abroad program or study abroad director at your home university to find information about how your host country views people with disabilities.

Here are some suggestions for students with disabilities preparing to study abroad. The list is not all-inclusive, and you may need to consider other issues based on your individual disability, preferences, or host country.

Before leaving the U.S., notify your host university or study abroad program of any modifications you need for housing, note taking in class, mobility around campus, and so on.

• If you use a wheelchair, bring extra tire tubes and repair tools and consider using tubeless tires (for more information, contact a local medical supply or bike repair shop).
• If you usually use an electric wheelchair, you may want to bring a manual wheelchair for use in some types of terrain or if you won't be able to regularly recharge the electric one. Or consider bringing a portable motor that can be easily installed on a manual wheelchair.
• Be sure to bring the necessary electrical adapters and converters to recharge equipment batteries.
• Bring extra prosthetics, braces, or any other adaptive equipment you cannot live without.
• If you usually use crutches, you may want to bring a manual chair for days when you're out and about for extended periods of time.
• Try to predict, as much as possible, difficult access situations prior to departure so you have time to create strategies or backup plans for dealing with them.
• If you use a hearing aid, bring plenty of extra batteries.
• If you are deaf, you may want to make a habit of carrying a notepad and pencil with you at all times for ease of communication.
• If you use a guide dog, check with your host country about quarantine and other regulations for bringing a pet into the country.
• Learn key phrases in the host country language so you can communicate important needs regarding medication, equipment, or accessibility issues.
• If you think you may need medical help while abroad, know how to contact appropriate professionals who speak a language you know (or consider using a translator).
• Identify and contact disability-related organizations in your host country prior to departing or soon after you arrive (MIUSA/NCDE may be able to help you locate this information).
• Carry a letter from your primary care physician explaining your current medical condition, including what medications you take, the correct dosage, and why you take them.
• Secure travel and medical insurance that covers preexisting conditions.
• Be aware of your bathroom needs " possibly bring a change of clothing in your daily pack for emergencies.
• Talk with returnees (whether they're disabled or not) from your host country/program to get information on disability access and attitudes.
• Bring egg crate pads for sitting or sleeping if you are concerned about pressure sores (These will come in handy on long plane, train, or bus rides).
• If you are blind, have someone orient you to your new environment, alerting you to dangers such as large potholes or manhole covers missing in streets.

Many U.S. college students have learning disabilities, including dyslexia and Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). If you have dyslexia, provide a written diagnosis from a medical professional. If you require modifications such as extended exam periods, be sure to discuss your needs with your study abroad program or university abroad well in advance of your arrival overseas and confirm any arrangements when you begin classes.

Know that many countries and universities overseas are suspicious of learning disabilities, even dyslexia, and many regard ADD as a manufactured "American" disorder. Some universities abroad may be reluctant to make modifications such as extended exam periods. In addition, be aware that Ritalin and other ADD medications are considered controlled substances in many countries, so you will not be permitted to bring more than a month's supply into your host country.

Check out the following resources for additional information on traveling with disabilities:

• The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) at www.ada.gov.
• Rights and Responsibilities: A Guide to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for International Organizations and Participants. Includes information on disability rights law for international exchange advisers. You can find it at www.miusa.org/publications/rr.htm.
• A World Awaits You (AWAY). A journal that discusses international exchange for people with disabilities. Highlights personal experiences of people with disabilities who have participated in international exchange programs. To receive a free copy of this journal, send an e-mail to clearinghouse@miusa.org.