The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign embraces global perspectives and cultivates distinct opportunities to grow our understanding of the diverse communities in which we live, study, and work. We seek to make international educational experiences available to every student, of every identity.
Different aspects of your identity may impact your study abroad experience. Each student faces different barriers and unique challenges. Furthermore, how you identify in the United States may not be how you choose to identify abroad, and may not be how you are identified by your host culture. It is encouraged that all students to reflect on the different aspects of their identity and consider how they may play a role in their study abroad experience.
First steps to understanding identity and inclusion in your host country should include research about your host country’s history, culture, laws, and demographics. You can also utilize online resources, including social media, that offer advice, personal narratives, and other information. Be sure to evaluate all of your resources carefully.
General Resources
Student Success, Inclusion & Belonging (Student Affairs)
The Student Success, Inclusion & Belonging (Student Affairs) provides transformative learning experiences that result in an appreciation for diversity and cross-cultural engagement.
DA Global Access Network (formerly Diversity Abroad)
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has a membership with DA Global Access Network connects students and staff to substantial resources and programming. Using their Illinois email address to create a login, students and advisors may access DA Global programs such as:
- BeGlobali – A student platform that supports every stage of the study abroad experience with planning tools, health and safety resources, and re-entry support. Students and advisors can access BeGlobali by creating an account login using their Illinois email address.
- Global EDGE Career Readiness Certificate – An online certificate program that helps students translate global experiences into career-ready skills recognized by employers. Ideal for students returning from study, research, or internships abroad, as well as for international students seeking to reflect on their undergraduate studies to prepare themselves for a future career path.
- Global Student Leadership Summit – An annual leadership development conference offering opportunities that strengthen communication, teamwork, and global leadership skills.
A Study Abroad Guide for Students Like Me
The Institute for Study Abroad at Butler University has compiled articles and commentary, mainly from a student perspective, about studying abroad and topics of diversity, including faith communities, first generation, LGBTQ+, race and ethnicity, and students with visible and non-visible disabilities.
GoAbroad’s Ebook Library
GoAbroad.com has many articles with travel tips and tales from various student identity perspectives including LGBTQ, LatinX, and students with disabilities.
Share Your Story
If you had an impactful experience abroad that was influenced by aspects of your identity, feel free to share those experiences through the Student Perspectives Questionnaire in My Study Abroad. Responses to the questionnaire will remain anonymous, but may be shared on the online program pages for prospective study abroad students to read. If you would like to share your experiences with a staff member, please reach out!