abroad

Diversity and Identity Abroad

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HWS Diversity Statement

At Hobart and William Smith Colleges, we strive to create a just and inclusive environment where all students, faculty and staff are valued and respected. We believe that diversity in identity and perspective enriches our community and prepares us all to lead lives of consequence. We recognize that historical practices and policies have privileged certain groups while excluding others from institutions of higher education, and thus the work of diversity at HWS seeks to account for those inequities by promoting college access and working to ensure that every member of the HWS community has an equal opportunity to thrive.

Identity and Study Abroad

The Center for Global Education is committed to ensuring that study abroad is accessible to all HWS students. We’ve compiled some resources that may help you navigate your global experiences, but this list is by no means exhaustive. Please reach out to the CGE or other offices on campus, as well as the staff of your study abroad program, if you have any questions.

HWS Centers and Resources On Campus

Disabilities and Health

Treatment of and attitudes towards accessibility and health conditions differs dramatically around the world. The CGE can work with you to make sure you find a program where your accommodations and medical needs can be met. Be sure to schedule a meeting with CGE staff while you are considering studying abroad or soon after being accepted to a program, and also speak with HWS Disability Services about your plans.

First-Generation Students

First generation students may also find that they are the first in their families to travel abroad. The CGE and the First Generation Initiative are here to support you in this process, and there are additional resources available to you:

 

Gender Identity

Each culture has its own history, traditions, and views surrounding gender identity and gender norms. These differences can play a large role in how you experience a culture, particularly if you are not aware of what to expect. It is important to do your research before embarking on study abroad so you can prepare for and understand any concerns surrounding gender-based expectations, harassment, safety, rights, relationships, language, and experience in your destination. CGE staff will provide you with information pertinent to your program once you have been accepted and are available to answer questions you may have about your study abroad destination.

If you do experience sexual or gender-based discrimination, harassment, or misconduct during your study abroad program, please contact the HWS Office of Title IX Programs & Compliance.

While the resources below are directed towards female-identifying individuals, the information, questions, and recommendations on these sites can be useful regardless of gender identity.

US Department of State: Women Travelers
Diversity Abroad: Women Going Abroad

LGBTQIA+ Identities

Cultures around the world have vastly different views of members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and some destinations can pose substantial risks. Some may be more accepting than the US and some may be less. Just like in the US, individuals and different communities within your host country will have different views. It is essential to do your research before you go abroad to learn about the laws governing LGBTQIA+ individuals and relationships in any country where you may travel. We have included some resources below that may be helpful, and you can always talk to CGE staff or the LGBTQ+ Resource Center about any concerns you have.

Racial and Ethnic Identity

It is important to consider and prepare for how your racial or ethnic identities may impact (and be impacted by) your time abroad. For some students, their study abroad experience may be the first time they are seen as being a member of a racial or ethnic minority or majority. Some students may find that they are perceived by members of the local community primarily by their American or other national identity, with their racial or ethnic identity as a secondary consideration. 

Navigating these experiences can be challenging, but you will have a variety of sources of support along the way. In addition to CGE staff and on-site program staff, you can also reach out to the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and the Adams Intercultural Center for assistance.

We have included a few resources below to help you prepare for your time abroad.

Religion and Spirituality

Religion and spirituality can play an important role in study abroad, whether because you want to understand how your own beliefs may fit into your experience while abroad, or because you want to better understand your host culture. In some destinations, religion is an important and significant aspect of the daily life of a majority of the population, whether through social norms, diet, routine, or national laws, and it is important to research and understand these practices before your arrival. 

Before going abroad, students who practice a religion may want to create a plan to access services abroad, or to adjust their own practices if a place of worship is not available. If living with a host family, be sure to alert your program to any dietary needs or restrictions you may have so that they can match you with a family who will accommodate those needs. You should also research the social and religious climate of your destination to better understand how you can practice your religion while abroad, how tolerant the host community is of different religions, and whether it will be safe to wear religious symbols or clothing at your destination. Your on-site program staff are a good resource for you in understanding your host culture and finding local places of worship. The Office for Spiritual Engagement can also provide support and address any questions you may have.

We have included a few resources below that may also be helpful as you prepare to study abroad.

International Students

As an international student, you are already familiar with the realities of studying in a new place or culture. Studying abroad can be a great way to advance your proficiency in another language and gain educational experience in a third country. When thinking about adding study abroad to your global experiences, reflect upon how your international identity may impact your experience and choices. While abroad, it is possible that you will be perceived first as an American student before a citizen of your home country; how will you react in those situations? You may also find that you are treated or viewed differently than the American students on your program. Before beginning your program, research the social, historical, cultural, and political relationships between your home country and destination country. 

International students have additional considerations when studying abroad, particularly regarding visa processes, both for your destination country and to maintain your status in the US. Make sure to reach out to the CGE and the Office of International Student Success early in the study abroad application process to start getting further guidance and support. 

To read more about the experiences of international students studying abroad, take a look at IFSA Unpacked: A Study Abroad Guide for Students Like Me.

Student Athletes

The CGE understands that it can be difficult to schedule studying abroad around your athletic season, but we are here to support you in this process as we have countless other student athletes. Student athletes should discuss their interest in study abroad with their coaches and academic advisers as early as possible. With careful planning and communication with the CGE, your coaches, and adviser, studying abroad is absolutely feasible. It can be done!

Begin planning early and ask yourself (and your coach and adviser) when the best time would be for you to go abroad, both in terms of season/semester and year. Consider how you will continue your training and workout routines while abroad - CGE staff and your on-site program staff can work with you on finding athletic facilities. There may even be a team you can join abroad to keep practicing!

We also encourage you to speak to other student athletes who have already gone abroad about their experiences and any advice they may have.

Students with Financial Considerations

At HWS, we endeavor to make studying abroad affordable and accessible to all our students. Those enrolled in semester-long HWS off-campus programs receive financial aid on the same basis as previously awarded (with the exception of work study), while those participating in short-term programs may apply for need-based assistance through the CGE. In addition, a variety of external sources of aid are available to help make study abroad affordable.

CGE staff are here to answer any questions you have and we also recommend that you speak to the Office of Financial Aid about your plans to study abroad. Check out our Financial Aid/Scholarships page for more information on financing your study abroad program.