RACE & ETHNICITY ABROAD
The diversity of Georgia State University’s student body is represented in the diversity of students studying abroad from GSU. In 2018-2019, Georgia State University had the largest number of African-American students studying abroad of any public institution in the United States according to data provided by Open Doors and 48.9% of GSU students studying abroad were students of color.
Following the completion of an IDEAS grant focused on understanding the barriers to study abroad for Black male students, Study Abroad Programs launched BAAMSAN (Black and African-American Male Study Abroad Network) in Spring 2022 to foster a community of support for participants as they navigate their interest/decision to study abroad. BAAMSAN offers events, programming and support each semester. To join BAAMSAN or for more information, please email Pernell Whitfield at [email protected].
While abroad, you may be identified as part of a particular race or ethnicity, or simply as an American student. Your understanding of your own identity will likely shift during your study abroad experience.
Attitudes toward other races and ethnicities may vary widely depending on your destination country. In host countries where locals don’t often meet students who have different physical characteristics, they may make assumptions about you or be curious about your appearance. Some may be interested to learn more about your culture or ethnicity, but there may be others whose behavior toward you makes you uncomfortable. They may stare at you, try to touch your hair or your skin, or ask seemingly invasive questions about your cultural heritage, physical features, or national origins.
In these situations, try to assume positive intent. While the person may have said or done something that is offensive to you, they may not have intended to do so and may simply be curious to know more. “Political correctness” is far less common in other countries than it is here in the US. Nevertheless, if an encounter makes you uncomfortable in any way, please remove yourself from the situation as soon as possible. Your own safety should be your first priority and is ours as well.
How will your own personal racial or ethnic identity shape your study abroad experience?
How is your race/ethnicity perceived in your proposed host country?
Does this country have a history of racial or ethnic tension?
What are the laws in this country regarding race relations?
Is immigration currently a source of tension in the country?
How will I react if I encounter racism or other discriminatory behavior?
GSU’s Multicultural Center: https://engagement.gsu.edu/multicultural-center/
Black Student Achievement: https://engagement.gsu.edu/black-student-achievement/
GSU’s Diversity Database: https://dei.gsu.edu/diversity-database/
Diversity Abroad’s student resources: https://www.diversityabroad.com/
Black and Abroad: https://www.blackandabroad.com/
Travel Noire: https://travelnoire.com/
The Multicultural Center supports Georgia State University’s mission of educating students to participate in a global economy with individuals different from themselves. To assist students in successfully engaging in this global process, the Multicultural Center provides opportunities for intentional, meaningful programming and dialogue to assist students to learn more about themselves and others.
A Black Male's Perspective Panel Discussion - watch the video
Black and African American Male Study Abroad Network (BAAMSAN) Panel Discussion - watch the video
HER-story: Women Around the World - watch the video
Study Abroad Office
Office Hours
Monday - Friday: 8:30 a.m. - 5:15 p.m.
Physical Address
Study Abroad Programs Office
International Center Dahlberg Hall, 3rd Floor
Atlanta, Georgia 30303