Photo taken in Japan, looking down stone steps towards an elaborate arched temple gate

Religion and Spirituality Abroad

 

 

Banner photo credit: Jessica Wry, "Sunset Glow"
(UCalgary International Photo Contest)

Whether or not you identify as part of a religious or spiritual community, it is likely that religion has shaped your worldview. All countries have one or more prevalent religious groups that intertwine with the local culture in a myriad of ways. Religion may inform many facets of society: its foundational values, family structures, public holidays, art forms, political/legal systems, and so much more. 

Just as religion influences your experience moving through life at home, you will encounter religion abroad, and it will affect the way that others perceive you. Seeking an understanding of local beliefs and customs will help you better navigate life in another country and demonstrate respect for your host culture. It will also help you find safe and appropriate ways to honour your own beliefs while abroad. 

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.
 

Topics for reflection

These questions will guide you to reflect on your current experience at home, the experience you wish to have abroad, and what information you may be lacking about your destination & need to do more research on. 

(Created with support from UCalgary’s Faith and Spirituality Centre)

  • How do you present your religious/spiritual identity in your community at home? How is this generally received? 
  • How religiously diverse is your community at home? 
  • In what ways do leaders in your community recognize religious diversity (e.g. festivals, holidays)? Alternately, in what ways is religious diversity not acknowledged? 
  • When interacting with people from different religious groups, what has been challenging for you, and what has been rewarding?
  • Are there religious or spiritual practices you engage in at home that you want to continue while abroad? Are there items or spaces (e.g. prayer spaces) that you will need access to?
  • Are there religious or spiritual practices that you are comfortable not participating in or adjusting from what you would normally do at home?
  • Is there religious dress that you normally wear (e.g. hijab, kirpan, kippah)? Will you be able to wear this abroad safely? 
  • What are your expectations for housing? Are you comfortable sharing housing with students of different genders or not? 
  • Will you be abroad during any religious holidays that you normally observe? What are your expectations for how you can continue to observe these holidays in your host country?
  • How do you feel about experiencing a different religion while abroad (visiting religious sites, participating in holidays or cultural events that stem from religious beliefs, etc.)? Will you be able to respectfully engage with different religions as part of your cultural learning about your host country and accept the ways in which it may challenge you?
  • How do you feel about the ways that local religious practices may impact your daily life while abroad?
  • Are there religious dietary restrictions you want or need to follow while abroad? If so, please also view the Dietary Restrictions page, linked below.
Dietary Restrictions Abroad
  • What is the local attitude towards religion? What about the attitude towards your particular religion? Is it welcoming, tolerant, or intolerant?
  • Are local laws influenced by religion? Is the local religious authority separate from the government, or not?
  • Will you be part of a religious minority or majority in your host country?
  • Is it safe (legally or by social/cultural norms) to openly express your religion?
  • If you share the same religion found in your host country: Are there different practices in how your religion is expressed that you might be expected to adapt to (such as a different dress code at places of worship, or differences in prayer/language)?
  • If you have a different religion from those found in your host country or are non-religious: How can you show respect for the local religion while still honouring your own beliefs? Are there any groups representing your beliefs that you can connect with to find community abroad?

"I Choose Openness"

This is a short film created by Thamine Nayeem. It explores her experience as a Muslim studying abroad and how travelling changed her understanding of the way that her religious identity intersected with her identity as an immigrant & a racial minority in the United States. Although Thamine is not a UCalgary student, the insights that she shares may help with your own reflection.

Finding religious communities abroad

If you are part of a religious or spiritual community at home, you may wish to join a comparable community during your time abroad. Being able to access familiar services, clergy, and social events can be valuable; past students have commented on how it helped their transition to living in another country and building a support network abroad. Even if you don't identify as religious, you may still be interested in exploring the religious communities of your host country as a source of social connection and exploring different ways of understanding the world. 

These links may be a good starting point for your research. You are also welcome to contact the Global Learning office for assistance - our advisors are happy to give you tips from past students to help you search for a religious community in your host country.

Atheist/Agnostic

Humanists International

Atheist Republic Consulates

List of Irreligious Organizations

Bahá’í

International Bahá’í Websites Listing

Buddhist

The World Buddhist Directory

Christian

The World Council of Churches

The Catholic Directory

Hinduism

Hindu Temples Worldwide

Islam

Islamic Finder 

Zabihah International Halal Guide

Jain

Jainism Abroad

Jain Temples Abroad

Judaism

Kahal Abroad

The World Union of Jewish Students

Kosher Without Borders 

Sikhism

Directory of Gurudwaras Worldwide

Shinto

Green Shinto's List of Shrines Outside Japan

Wicca/Pagan

Pagan Federation International

Zoroastrian

List of Zoroastrian Associations

Being able to rediscover my faith was a special part of my exchange. I tried a different church every Sunday: Finnish Lutheran, Swedish Methodist, Russian Orthodox, Anglican, Catholic, even Helsinki’s famous "metal masses". Finns are known for being private, but every time I walked in the doors I was welcomed and felt so comfortable. I was never able to experiment like that when I was living at home.

K.

Past UCalgary student who went on exchange in Finland

Resources for additional research

Student experiences: 

General advice: