At Arcadia Abroad, we’re excited to help you begin your global journey. Studying abroad is not just about discovering a new place—it’s also about discovering more about yourself. We recognize that your identity is complex and multifaceted, and we’re here to support you as you explore how it may be perceived in a different cultural context.
A successful study abroad experience is an inclusive one. That means creating space for reflection, dialogue, and preparation, so you can feel confident and supported throughout your time abroad. This FAQ is here to help you begin that process.
Understanding your host country’s cultural norms can help you feel more prepared and confident. Your Arcadia Program Advisor is a great first resource, and you'll learn even more during pre-departure advising and orientation. You can also explore student blogs, alumni stories, and resources like International SOS and the U.S. State Department. Reading about local customs, social expectations, and identity-related topics will help you engage thoughtfully while staying true to who you are.
Your identity is both unique and intersectional, and how it’s perceived abroad can be an enlightening experience. While you may be primarily seen as an American student, other aspects of who you are - like your race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, faith, or abilities - can shape your experience abroad. These perceptions are influenced by local history, media, norms, and personal perspectives.
We encourage you to explore cultural norms and social attitudes in your host country before you go. Consider how Americans are viewed and what current social or political issues might shape your reception. Our Arcadia Abroad staff are here to support you and provide insights to help you navigate these nuances.
Perceptions of race and ethnicity can differ significantly across cultures. Some students may experience being in the racial majority for the first time, while others may encounter stares, curiosity, microaggressions, or even bias. The way race and ethnicity are expressed, as well as the attitudes towards different groups, might feel different from what you’re used to in the US. Many students discover unexpected moments of connection and visibility abroad.
Throughout your journey with Arcadia Abroad, we provide resources and advising to help you prepare for a range of experiences. Your Program Advisor is a great starting point for personalized guidance.
We want you to feel confident and supported in your decision. That might mean doing a little homework on your host country—learning about local attitudes, protections, and what daily life is like for people who share your identity.
Arcadia Abroad partners with International SOS, a leading security assistance provider, to provide country-specific legal information. We’re also here to help with that! Our Arcadia Abroad staff can talk through your questions and share insight about what to expect on the ground.
It depends on your identities and your destination. You may find yourself shifting between majority and minority statuses depending on the setting whether it’s racial, religious, gender-based, or otherwise. These shifts can shape your interactions and sense of belonging. We encourage you to reflect on these dynamics as part of your program exploration, and our staff are available to talk it through with you.
Attitudes vary widely worldwide. Some countries have vibrant LGBTQ+ communities; others may not.It’s important to understand the social climate before you study abroad. Arcadia’s advising staff can help you assess whether a location feels like a good fit for your comfort and safety. We also recommend tools like ILGA’s global map of LGBTQ+ rights or contacting International SOS, Arcadia Abroad’s security assistance partner.
This is a deeply personal decision. How open you choose to be about your identity should be a decision based on your personal comfort and the cultural context of your host country. You might feel empowered to express yourself more fully abroad or choose to be more private, depending on the cultural context and your comfort level.
There’s no right way to navigate this. What matters most is that you feel safe, affirmed, and supported. Arcadia staff are here to help you think through your options and make a plan that works for you.
It’s completely normal to encounter cultural differences while abroad, and that may include how identity is expressed or understood. You might find that your beliefs, values, or aspects of your identity don’t align with local norms and that can be both challenging and eye-opening.
We encourage you to approach these differences with curiosity and respect, while also staying true to yourself and your comfort level. Some students find it empowering to adapt their expression in new contexts; others may choose to share less openly depending on their surroundings. There’s no one right way to navigate this. It’s about what feels right and safe for you.
Arcadia Abroad is committed to making study abroad accessible. We work closely with students to understand their needs and explore reasonable accommodations available in their host country. This extends to both academic accommodations and physical disabilities.
Accessibility standards vary by country depending on your host country’s laws and cultural norms. We encourage early communication with our Health, Safety, and Student Affairs team as soon as possible. The earlier we connect, the more we can do to support you whether it’s academic support, housing accommodations, transportation, or physical access to facilities. Contact us at studentwellnessabroad@arcadia.edu to start the conversation.
At Arcadia Abroad, we’re committed to fostering an inclusive global community. We celebrate the diverse perspectives our students bring and understand that navigating identity abroad can be complex and meaningful.
Our staff receive comprehensive training in inclusive support, and our Council on Inclusive Excellence guides our global inclusion efforts. We encourage you to consider how race and ethnicity may be viewed differently in your host country and to speak with us about your reflections or questions.
Money can shape a lot about your experience—like how you travel, budget, or spend time with friends. You might be thinking about cost in new ways, and that’s totally normal.
We know not everyone has the same financial support. That’s why Arcadia offers help with budgeting, scholarships, and real talk about how to make the most of your time abroad without overspending. Your Program Advisor is here to help—and we can also connect you with alumni who’ve done it on a tight budget.
There’s no one way to study abroad. What matters is what works for you.
Feeling safe and confident begins with being informed. Understanding how your identity may be perceived in your host culture can ease your transition and help you engage more fully. Our pre-departure advising covers the cultural context of your program, and once abroad, our on-site orientation introduces local norms, emergency protocols, and health and safety tools which are all designed to help you thrive academically, socially, and personally.
Religious traditions vary widely, and in many places, religion plays an important role in daily life. Whether you’re practicing your faith abroad or exploring local customs, our staff can help you access resources and navigate respectfully. We’ll support your engagement in ways that feel meaningful to you.
Yes! We love connecting students with Arcadia Abroad alumni. Speaking with someone who has experienced study abroad firsthand can offer powerful insight and reassurance. Our alumni often reflect on the personal growth, new perspectives, and lifelong friendships they gained during their programs.
We know there’s a lot to think about when preparing to study abroad. That’s why we’re here: to support you in navigating both the practical and personal aspects of this journey. At Arcadia Abroad, we believe diversity enriches every classroom, city, and conversation. And just as you're growing and learning on your incredible journey, Arcadia Abroad is continually evolving, committed to helping you feel welcomed, understood, and empowered to make the most of every experience. Let’s explore how we can help you thrive abroad.