Many universities and international education organizations provide resources for students and faculty that are accessible while both on and off-campus.
All students who meet program eligibility requirements are encouraged to participate in an off-campus program. If a student anticipates barriers to participation due to accessibility or health concerns, they should discuss their personal needs and concerns with the Student Accessibility Services office and a Guarini Institute staff member early on. We will do our best to inform students about their options abroad and assist with planning.
Mobility International USA (MIUSA)
First-generation college students may be the first in their families to study or travel abroad. The experience first-generation students have in navigating new environments and systems can be a great asset while on an off-campus program. At the same time, first-generation students may be faced with financial challenges, and the need to learn what support networks are available to make the most out of an off-campus program. We encourage first-generation students to reach out to on-campus resources and peers to help plan for their program and to offer support while they are off-campus.
Students seeking to understand the culture of their ancestors may feel paradoxically familiar and alien to the host country. This experience may challenge or help the students' questions for self-identity. Heritage seekers may have heightened expectations for their time abroad, we encourage such students to research the country in advance and go with an open mind, you may be surprised at what you will learn!
University of Wisconsin-Madison
All participants should be aware of the cultural, legal, and social issues regarding sexual and gender identity abroad and how they could affect interactions with people in your host country. In order to have a rewarding and safe experience, we recommend that students research the LGBTQIA+ climate of the country they will be visiting as well as available support resources in order to best prepare for their time off-campus.
The International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA)
Religion often plays a large part in a country's politics and society. All students should research the religious norms in the country they are visiting. We encourage students who maintain religious practices to research and prepare ahead of time for how they can adhere to or adapt their religious practices while off-campus.
Many students have strict schedules due to rigid academic plans, work, and/or athletic commitments, among other considerations. Such students may face additional challenges in order to fit into a term on an off-campus program. We encourage students to think creatively about studying away - with planning and preparation, students can pursue programs that reflect their personal and academic interests and fit into their academic plans.
Financing an off-campus program can seem intimidating, especially for self-supporting and first-generation students, but there are resources and strategies to make this experience affordable. We encourage students to reach out to the Office of Financial Aid for resources and information on using existing financial aid for off-campus programs and to research other scholarship opportunities and financial strategies to help fund their study abroad experience.
Foreign ATM Fee Comparison at Top U.S. Banks
Adjusting to a new culture and potentially unfamiliar gender roles and norms can present students with a variety of reactions and feelings. Some locations may be more challenging to adjust to than others due to the gender norms of its given culture, and the culture a student is coming from. Preparing oneself for a new culture and anticipating these potential adjustments can offer travelers peace of mind as they navigate their new environment.
International students have valuable experience adapting to new cultures and navigating visa processes, though shifting into a new culture, language, and environment is always an adjustment. International students may need to do extra planning regarding their visa requirements and should be in touch with their on-campus resources to prepare for their time away.
The Department of Homeland Security
Off-campus programs offer students a unique and exciting opportunity to learn about and interact with people of different cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives. In some situations, however, one's racial and/or ethnic identity may be read or interpreted differently than one is accustomed to. For example, students may experience minority or majority status for the first time. Understanding how cultural differences can impact perceptions of race, ethnicity, nationality, and identity is an important component of preparing to study off-campus.
Students who are U.S. permanent residents, green card holders, or who have DACA or TPS status can study abroad. Students with special residential status will need to complete applications with USCIS specific to their residential status in order to be able to leave and return to the U.S. Some of these application processes include things like applying for a re-entry permit (Form I -131), advanced parole, and submitting other documentation such as a passport. Before making a final decision about joining a program, we encourage students to meet with an attorney about their specific situation.
Re-Entry Application (Form I-131) - USCIS
University of California Berkeley