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FSU INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMSMAPPING YOURIDENTITIES1

Identity Development AbroadCollege provides students the freedom to explore and form their socialidentities through new experiences. Traveling also gives individuals theopportunity to view their identities from a new perspective. The decisionto study abroad comes with a wide variety of emotions as you navigate thislife-changing experience. Study abroad can be a driving force for personalgrowth, change, and discovery.This guide is designed with your wellness and safety in mind. Let it help youstart the process of self-reflection before going abroad and encourageyou to become a better ally to your fellow students. Each section highlightsvarious identities and reflection questions to consider before settingout on your adventure abroad! This list is by no means exhaustive, but itis a starting point as you begin your identity exploration. There may bemultiple identities you relate to and the lenses through which you view andexperience them may vary. If you have any questions or concerns, pleasecontact International Programs.2

CONTENTSOverall Wellness . 5Ability . 8First-Generation Students.10LGBTQIA and Gender Identity . 12Language, Heritage, & Nationality Considerations .14Race & Ethnicity .16Religion.18Socioeconomic Considerations .20Student Athletes . 22Veterans/Military.24Womxn.263

Not every section in this guide may be part of youridentity but reading it entirely will help you understandothers on your program and be better allies for them.FSU is committed to values of diversity and inclusion. However,keep in mind your host culture may not share the same values.The key to success abroad is respect, bothfor your cohort and the host culture.

WELLNESSStudent wellness is paramount to a successful study abroadexperience. As you explore your identities abroad, it is important toconsider your overall wellness throughout the process. Preparation,research, and self-care are at the heart of having a great experienceabroad. While on the program, keep an open mind, withholdjudgment, try new things, and explore who you are. After all, selfdiscovery is one of the greatest benefits of study abroad!On the next couple of pages, you’ll find some wellness reflectionquestions and tips to ponder before going abroad.5

WELLNESSOverall WellnessMental Wellness How do you plan to remain physically, emotionally,and mentally healthy while abroad? What strategies can you develop to managethe stressors of a new environment? Are you aware of the resources availableto you at FSU in Tallahassee and abroadregarding personal health? What do you need to successfully manageyour mental health abroad? What stepswill you take to address these needs? Familiarize yourself with the internationalhealth insurance included in yourprogram fee and what it covers. Will you want to consult with a mentalhealth professional while abroad? Consider how your involvement(s) at homemay change while you are abroad (e.g.,work, community involvement, clubs andorganizations, academic commitments, etc.).Emotional & Social WellnessPhysical & Sexual Wellness Are you currently being treated forserious injury or disease? What willcare for this look like abroad? What does sexual health mean to you? What does sexual safety mean to you? What are you most looking forwardto during this experience? What experiences might challengeyou while you are abroad? What are you expecting to learn during thistrip and how might traveling change you? How do you plan to engage with otherstudents and locals while abroad? What do you need to feel preparedfor this experience? Consider participating in on-campus workshopsfocused on relationship safety, such as Green Dot.Mapping Your Identities6

WELLNESSMedication & DietFinancial Considerations How likely are you to encounter allergies in yourstudy abroad location? What steps will you taketo minimize the risk and/or plan for treatment? How do you plan to maintainfinancial wellness abroad? Have you considered how dietary restrictionscan be accommodated abroad? Will your mainsource of nutrition be available abroad? Will your medications (prescription or otherwise)be available abroad or do you need to bringthem with you? Will you be able to replenishprescription medication while traveling? How much money will you budget for recreation? Have you found a way to manage your budget? Are you aware of the currency exchange ratesbetween your host country and the US? Do you have medications you need tocollect before going abroad? Do you needa larger quantity prescription than usual toaccommodate how long you will be abroad? Are there legal restrictions in your hostcountry for any medications you are taking?Mapping Your Identities7

ABILITYWhile accessibility can look different abroad, InternationalPrograms wants to provide you with resources to help you havean enriching experience during your program. Understandingdifferences in accessibility resources and being prepared beforeyou go abroad can help promote a smooth travel experience.8

Reflection questions and tips toponder before going abroadABILITY If you have not registered with the FSU Officeof Accessibility Services be sure to do so ifyou would like to receive accommodations(e.g., extra test time). On the application,indicate you will be studying abroad. If you are registered with the FSU Officeof Accessibility Services, be sure toconnect with your accessibility specialistto discuss how accommodationsmight apply while you are abroad. Have you communicated your accommodationneeds to International Programs? What accommodations might you needwhile abroad (e.g., a refrigerator formedication, specific room needs, etc.)? What financial obligations related to yourdisability (that are not covered by theprovided health insurance) do you need toprepare for (e.g., medication, equipment,doctor’s visits and treatments, etc.)? Are you willing to disclose your disabilityto others? If so, how will you discloseyour disability and to whom? What are the cultural attitudes toward visibleand invisible disabilities in your host country? How accessible are places in your hostcountry (consider unpaved roads, availabilityof elevators and ramps, etc.)? How will you respond if peoplegive you unsolicited help? Consider how smaller class sizes andinteractive learning experiences mightbe beneficial to your learning style.Ideas for while you’re abroad How can your disability both inform andenrich your experience while abroad? How can you share your perspective ofwhat you are learning and experiencingwith your peers and others? If your disability is mental-health related, whatare specific environments, events, or situationsthat might trigger the aspects of your disability? How could your study abroad programand its facilities, potential excursions,classes, etc. impact your experience?Mapping Your Identities9

FIRSTGENERATIONSTUDENTSBeing the first person in your family to go to college can comewith unique concerns as you navigate the experience. With theabundance of information that comes with starting college, studyingabroad might not be at the forefront of your mind. However,deciding to go abroad can open doors to a variety of incredibleexperiences that can benefit you during college and beyond!10

Reflection questions and tips toponder before going abroadFIRSTGENERATIONSTUDENTS Consider the resources available to guide youthrough the study abroad process, (i.e., the IPwebsite, deadline information, academic andfinancial advising, social media guides, etc.). How can you explain the personal valueof studying abroad to your family? If your family has concerns aboutstudy abroad, be sure to contact IPto speak with someone about it.Ideas for while you’re abroad Do you plan to stay in communication withyour family and friends while abroad? If so,how will you maintain communication? Do you plan to find a community withshared values and interests? If so, how? How can you navigate feelings ofnervousness or homesickness that mayarise as a result of being abroad? How long are you willing to be awayfrom family and friends? How far away do you feel comfortablebeing from family and friends?Mapping Your Identities11

LGBTQIA & GENDERIDENTITYAs you prepare to go abroad, think about your LGBTQIA identitywithin a global context – including cultural attitudes and perceptions.Research and reflect before going abroad and think about other socialidentities you may have that could affect your experience overseas.International Programs has students, staff, and faculty who identify asLGBTQIA and many allies who are an important part of our IP family.Many IP staff members around the globe have participated in theAllies & Safe Zones trainings and are an available resource to you.12

Reflection questions and tips toponder before going abroadLGBTQIA & GENDERIDENTITY How does your study abroad locationview the LGBTQIA community? Research your host country and itscultural practices, beliefs, and laws. Participate in FSU Allies & Safe Zones workshops. Speak with a trusted mentor or campusresource (e.g., Pride Student Union) aboutyour thoughts on going abroad.Ideas for while you’re abroad Is there a local LGBTQIA community you canconnect with or resources for you while abroad? Do you plan to stay in touch with your supportsystem? If so, how will you do that? If possible, what can you do to createbonds of trust among your cohort andcreate a support system while abroad(e.g., sharing and honoring pronouns)? How could your gender expression or sexualorientation impact your study abroad experience?Mapping Your Identities13

LANGUAGE,HERITAGE, &NATIONALITYCONSIDERATIONSPerhaps the most impactful part of studying abroad is being immersed in anotherculture. In preparing to experience the culture of your host country, ponder howyour own heritage, nationality, language skills, and citizenship might affect yourtravels abroad.14

Reflection questions and tips toponder before going abroadLANGUAGE,HERITAGE, &NATIONALITY Understand that if you are of the samenationality of the host country but wereraised elsewhere, you may be identified assomeone who is not native to the country. If you are a person who shares the heritage ofyour host country but were raised elsewhere,how will you be perceived while abroad? What does it mean to be bicultural? Are you used to being part of the culturalminority at home? If so, how might it feelto be a part of the majority abroad?Ideas for while you’re abroad Realize your potential advantage ofspeaking the host country’s languagecompared to your peers who do not. If you are a person who shares the heritageof your host country, and it is your firsttime there, do not be discouraged if you arenot adjusting as quickly as expected. If you are a person who shares the heritageof your host country, what aspectsof the culture do you relate to? How could your citizenship affect your visa status? What are the perceptions of your homecountry in your host country? Research the perception of Englishlanguage use in your host country. Learn basic phrases in your host country’slanguage before going abroad. Don’t be afraidto make mistakes – they’re a great way to learn! What resources are available to you if thereis a language barrier? What steps will youtake to overcome this language barrier?Mapping Your Identities15

RACE ÐNICITYInternational Programs believes each person’s culture and backgroundenrich experiences abroad. One of the best aspects of studyingabroad is experiencing diversity in culture, ethnicity, and race inother countries. With that said, different countries have differentracial and ethnic backgrounds. Before going abroad, research thediversity of the country, how certain groups of people are perceived,and what others who have gone before you have experienced.16