Race & Ethnicity

 

Ask Yourself:

  • How do you identify yourself racially, culturally, ethnically, or nationally?
  • Are you looking to go abroad to learn more about your own heritage and background?
  • How does your identity fit within the cultural and historical context in 1) the U.S./Nebraska and 2) your host country?
  • While all students encounter challenges abroad, what are the unique challenges, if any, you anticipate from your host city and/or university campus abroad?
  • What strategies do you use when faced with challenging circumstances or discrimination?


Ask your Global Experiences Coordinator and other program staff:

  • How much onsite support is offered in your host city, university and academic environment?
  • Are there laws in the host country governing race relations? Ethnic relations? What protections are offered to ethnic or racial minorities?
  • What are the current and historical immigration trends in your host country that may impact how people view you?
  • What community or campus organizations are available to visiting students? Are there volunteer opportunities available in my host country?


Prepare and Research:

  • Search for student blogs or speak with returnees who have studied abroad in your host country. Some talking points include: hair salons available to specific hair types, unwanted attention, requests to take photos with locals, questions that may seem inappropriate, but are often due to curiosity. Are there common stereotypes or slang specific to your host country?
  • Look-up the racial/ethnic demographics of the host city and country.
  • Learn about your destination by reading news articles online to get a sense of current political and societal issues.

On-Campus Resources:

  • Speak with OASIS or a member of internationally focused RSO.
  • Review the resources from Nebraska Diversity & Inclusion.
  • Reach out to faculty members with expertise specific to your host country.

Additional Resources:

If I have more questions, who should I contact?

  • Kate Kunzman, Global Experiences Coordinator, kkunzman@unl.edu