A series of stone statues (one large and white, the others small and crumbling) with a forested hillside in the background

BIPOC Students Abroad

 

 

Banner photo credit: Carolyn Pethrick, "Old Stone and New Stone"
(UCalgary International Photo Contest)

As a BIPOC student (Black, Indigenous, or Person of Colour) your race and racial visibility, and how it overlaps with your other identities, will likely have an impact on your experience abroad. You may find it similar to your experience at home in terms of how you present yourself in different spaces or engage with different communities. But at times, you may be surprised by brand-new situations and interactions that stem from the cultural norms of your host country. 

You may even find that the way you refer to your identity is not understood abroad. For example, in Australia and New Zealand, "BIPOC" is not a well-known acronym and words like "Black" may be avoided; these terms are often viewed more negatively without the cultural nuance of North American contexts. But this doesn't indicate greater racial intolerance. In fact, BIPOC students consistently report having positive, welcoming experiences when studying in Australia and New Zealand. 

Researching your host culture in advance is invaluable so that you feel prepared: what reactions you might receive, how willing you are to converse about your identity, and how to achieve your goals abroad while still feeling connected to your home community.

Please find helpful questions, resources, and links below to better assist your research into global learning opportunities. If you have any questions or would like additional assistance or guidance, please do not hesitate to contact one of our advisors at study.abroad@ucalgary.ca

Why should you go abroad?

While there are many benefits to global learning, here are some specific reasons that BIPOC students have identified as motivators to go abroad.

Expand your perspective of your own identity

As you experience other cultures and gain exposure to the ways that BIPOC histories, minority rights, and racial justice issues have unfolded in other countries, you may see similarities & differences you hadn’t considered before, and come to new realizations about your own intersectional identity.

Spread awareness about your identity abroad

There are misconceptions around the world about the diversity of Canada and how people can hold multiple racial, cultural, or ethnic identities. You may find that you enjoy the chance to educate others and help your peers abroad gain a better understanding of your own heritage or Canada at large.

Bring your experience back to support your community

From personal growth & social connections to new skills & knowledge, you will see the world in a different way than before. This may be beneficial as you return to life at home, shaping how you respond to challenges, approach goals, or build relationships.

Considerations for planning your trip

Some of our past students have expressed feeling empowered talking about their culture, identity, and heritage while studying abroad, while others felt it was overwhelming, soured their experience, or just wasn’t something they wanted to do. You might find yourself put in situations where those you meet ask questions and expect you to educate them on your identity. Try not to feel pressured to do so. It should be your choice if and how much you want to share, and to share your story in situations that feel comfortable to you. 

Topics you can research in advance:

  • Local perceptions and stereotypes of your race or ethnicity
  • Resources in your host country and/or at UCalgary that you can refer to in case you experience discrimination abroad
  • Canada’s multicultural and colonial history (if you feel that you would like to educate others on this while you are abroad)
     

When visiting racially or ethnically homogeneous areas, you may encounter people who have never seen anyone who looks like you. They might stare at you, take photos, compliment you, or try to touch you. If it makes you uncomfortable, politely express your discomfort and they will most likely respect your boundaries. Safely remove yourself from the situation if the unwanted attention persists. 

Topics you can research in advance: 

  • Stories from other racialized students and their experiences
  • Tensions related to race, ethnicity, immigration, etc. (historical or in current news)
  • Cultural/social norms that may influence how others interact with you

The people you meet abroad may be curious about your heritage and ask insensitive questions about where you come from. These types of questions likely won’t be intentionally offensive, but are usually the result of a genuine lack of understanding. In your host culture, your Canadian identity may be viewed as more pertinent than your racial identity, or there may be preconceived notions of what “Canadians” look like that result in confusion when you describe yourself as Canadian abroad. Think about how you might react in situations like this – keeping in mind that you are never obligated to discuss anything beyond what you’re comfortable sharing. 

If you are travelling to a country where you have racial/ethnic roots, refer to the Heritage Students Abroad page for more resources. 

Navigating the complexities of a new culture will result in challenges (whether those mentioned above, or others) and having a strong support system is extremely valuable. Be sure to stay connected to friends and family back home, and try to make new friends & build your social network as you travel. Know who to contact when you feel lonely, stressed, or have confusion navigating processes – and also know who to contact when you have a “win” that you want to celebrate. This can help overcome feelings of isolation and allow you to experience your time abroad to its fullest potential!

Topics you can research in advance: 

  • Community groups in your destination that you’d like to get involved with
  • Support resources at your host institution and/or UCalgary
  • Comfort items that you can bring along to help you feel connected with home (e.g. personal care products or dry spices that aren’t available in your host country)
     

Safety is our highest concern for all of our students studying abroad. The unfortunate reality over the past several years is that cases of racism have been rising or becoming more explicit around the world. We hope this doesn't discourage you from travelling (safe spaces and positive interactions can still be found in any country) but knowing what to watch out for and how to keep yourself safe is important.

Trust your instincts and distance yourself from unsafe people/situations if you are facing harassment or discrimination. Travel with friends when possible, especially if visiting areas you are unfamiliar with; if travelling alone, schedule regular check ins with a trusted friend in your host country as well as friends or relatives back home. Have emergency phone numbers saved for the countries you visit. 

When studying abroad with UCalgary, you will have multiple safety nets. Prior to your study abroad, you will receive a full pre-departure training that goes into detail about safety advice and contacts. At any time during your trip, you can contact our office, UCalgary Campus Security, or our international security provider (International SOS) to receive support.

I think declining an experience this amazing, for fear of racism, is letting whiteness win. Now, I’m not saying be a martyr. No. I’m saying we must consider reorienting our mindsets. Being the only person of color in a classroom or the whole city for that matter isn’t an insecure position. It’s a power move. And you should jump at the opportunity to take up space that you are more than qualified and more than deserving of being in.

Blue

African American student who studied abroad in Denmark

Learn more about Blue's experience on their vlog (a full text transcript is provided): Being a Student of Color Abroad

Resources for further research

Student experiences:

General advice: