Diversity Abroad

Diversity Abroad

Whitman College Off-Campus Studies provides support for all students interested in study off-campus regardless of their race, color, sex, gender, religion, national origin, disability, veteran’s status, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status or other identities. We encourage students to ask their Off-Campus Studies adviser early in their advising meetings about conditions in various locations, if they have questions about how individuals of various identities may be treated or perceived elsewhere.

Students of Color

Students identifying as POCs may encounter a wide range of attitudes about identity while abroad. Views on race and ethnicity vary widely among cultures across the globe, and it is important to understand what viewpoints exist in your host country before arriving. As with issues of LGBTQIA+ identities abroad, no one culture can be distilled to a single viewpoint—however, students of color should be aware that their identities may be interpreted very differently abroad than in the United States. The Off-Campus Studies Office recommends the following resources for students of color wishing to research their host country’s views on race/ethnicity. Advisors in Off-Campus Studies at Whitman are ready and available to help students with further questions.

• Diversity and Inclusion Abroad Guide
• The Center for Global Education | Supporting Diversity in Study Abroad
• Meaningful Travel Trips and Tales | African American Perspectives from GoAbroad.com (PDF)

LGBTQ+ Students

Students of varied sex/gender identities may encounter different responses to their identities from people in their host culture abroad than in the United States. While no one culture's views on sexuality and gender are monolithic, it is important to remember that national and cultural groups abroad have varied opinions about what is considered "acceptable" behavior.

Knowledge is power in these situations, and Off-Campus Studies highly encourages students to learn as much as they can about their host country's sex/gender attitudes and politics before leaving the United States. Consider using the following resources to research your host country, and to contact an advisor at the Off-Campus Studies Office for additional help and questions.

• Diversity and Inclusion Abroad Guide
• OutRight Action International
• International Lesbian and Gay Association
• LGBT Student Guide for Education Abroad