Study Abroad

Study Abroad
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5245 USA
(269) 387-5890

Ethnicity Abroad

Why Study Abroad?

Studying abroad can open you up to a world of opportunities, and can have a lasting, positive impact on students. In today’s global society, it is increasingly important for all students to gain exposure to and understanding of other cultures and global issues. No matter your background, studying in another country can change your perspective on both the United States and the rest of the world. In addition, studying abroad can help strengthen your academic skills and make you more marketable for your career and graduate school.

Studies have shown that studying abroad results in benefits for students even after they return home, such as:

  • Higher GPA
  • Higher 4-year graduation rates
  • Marketability for jobs
  • Better adaptability, and more!

Need some more proof? Read more here:

Statistics on the Benefits of Study Abroad: University of California, Merced

All Abroad US’s Top 10 Reasons to Study Abroad

Questions to ask

It’s important to consider the cultural norms and/or differences in your host country. You may find yourself in a country that is more open-minded than the US, while other countries are far less open-minded than what you may be used to. You may be feeling anxious about making the choice to study abroad, perhaps worried that you might be the target of racial or ethnic bias in a new country.You may also find yourself in a place where you might “blend in” as a local; perhaps you’re planning to study abroad in a place reflective of your personal heritage. Whatever the situation, it’s important to do your research and plan ahead. How will you answer questions about your background if you’re presented with them?

Diversity Abroad has an excellent list of questions to ask while planning your trip

Planning resources

Do your research. Learn about the history and cultural norms of your host country. 

More Resources:

For more information on diversity and study abroad, planning tips, questions to ask, student experiences, and more, visit:
  • Information sessions: informal meetings in the study abroad office with peer advisors to go over the basics of study abroad and the application process.
  • Walk-in hours for advising: get more specific information from study abroad specialists on specific regions or programs during the fall and spring semesters, by appointment only in the summer.
  • A Student's guide to study abroad: download a free comprehensive guide to study abroad.

Planning Resources, categorized by race/ethnicity:

Black/African Americans

Scholarships:

Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders

Scholarships:

  • APIASF: Asian & Pacific Islander American Scholarship Fund: offers several scholarships

Hispanics/Latinos:

Scholarships:

Native Americans:

Scholarships:

Other scholarships

There are many scholarship opportunities to help finance your study abroad. Remember, you may apply your financial aid to study abroad. Here you will find a list of many of the diversity-related scholarships that are geared toward study abroad programs.

Diversity-Related Scholarships: The following scholarships are private scholarships intended for students of diverse backgrounds. They are not specific to study abroad, however, so you should check with each one individually to determine if the funds can be applied toward study abroad programs.

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