Students of Color Abroad

A small, but growing number of UT students of color are “going global.” While some choose to study in a country related to their ethnic heritage, many choose to study in places where they are a racial minority.

Students of color often find that people abroad will classify them by nationality “American”, rather than by their race. For example, an African American student in Wales is more likely to be called “the American” than “the black student.”

BUT…there are occasions when students of color are mistaken for belonging to another national group. For example, a UT student of South Asian ancestry was mistaken for being Indian while studying abroad in Australia. As soon as he spoke, everyone recognized his American accent and correctly identified him as “American.”

Some students of color report that they had to dispel myths about their racial/ethnic group while abroad. These myths usually stemmed from inaccurate or exaggerated TV and movie stereotypes. While it is unfortunate that negative stereotyping occurs, UT students have used this opportunity to educate people about their racial/ethnic group in a positive way.

It’s important to remember that American students may hold stereotypes or myths about other cultures as well. Before getting angry or upset at people in your host country, check to make sure you are not committing the same faux pas!

What does "race" mean in other countries?

Many scholars believe that “race” is a socially constructed term, used to classify people based on physical appearance, ancestral heritage and culture, for the purpose of stratification. In the United States, we’ve grown accustomed to seeing the following racial and ethnic categories: African American/Black; Latino/Hispanic; White/Caucasian; Asian Pacific Islander; Native American/Alaska Native; Multi-racial; and “Other.” Even though you may identify as belonging to one or more of the racial or ethnic groups mentioned above, these terms and definitions may not apply in your host country.

When you go abroad, your host country might have different definitions of what race and ethnicity mean. For example, a fair-skinned African American in South Africa might be classified as “coloured” rather than “black.” In the U.S. “colored” is a antiquated term once used as “black” is now used. In South Africa, however, the term is still used but identifies people of mixed black and white ancestry, South Asian, and/or East Asian ancestry. In another example, the same black person going to Brazil might be referred to as “white” if they are perceived to be from an upper middle class background or wealthy family.

How should you prepare for the journey?

At first, it might feel strange or frustrating for a student of color to be mistaken for belonging to a racial, ethnic and/or national origin that is not their own. It can also feel confusing to suddenly be “reclassified” as belonging to another racial and/or ethnic group.

Before you go abroad, try to learn how race and ethnicity is constructed in your host country. Talk with students who studied abroad in your host country, or better yet, try to connect with international students who are from the place where you will be studying abroad. If neither of these options is possible, look for information on the web, read books, and watch films from your host country. By doing this, you will become more aware as to how you may be perceived when you go abroad.

Suggestions for American students of color going abroad

“Have fun, no worries! Research all areas that you want to travel and try to understand that there are some places that still harbor negative racial stereotypes. However, in most industrialized cities there is a varied and diverse population.”

“Don’t take it [stereotypes] too personally.”

“The second you leave American, you are a foreigner. Especially if you are a minority student…all of sudden, you may become more aware of your ethnic differences than previously imagined. Please don’t let any questions bother you. For the most part, Aussies are more than hospitable and willing to have a good conversion with you, but realize that number one you are a different color and number two, you are American. This makes you so diverse and such a learning tool for others around you. Use your “differences” to your advantage and learn from the people, culture and environment around you."

“I would suggest for American students of color not to be scared off or frightened by going to a new country. I think it is very important for students of color to go abroad to dispel stereotypes that television and even perhaps their fellow Americans have engrained into the minds of our world neighbors. I think that you should go to Australia with open eyes, ears, and mind. I want to encourage you to engage in conversations such as these about race and stereotypes and to not be easily offended when people are trying to understand you.”

“Choose a location that has not been explored, that way you can really make a lasting impression and dispel any myths about people of color. For the most part people enjoy getting to know you and everything about you. In the process you will understand other cultures better and grow personally.”

“Be aware of who you are. Also be aware that you are in a different country with different experiences and perceptions. Keep an open mind to experiences. If you are offended by something, explain to them what the offense means to you. Their perception of you will likely be based on the way you present yourself, not on an ignorant stereotype. When you encounter someone (and you will) who questions your experience of being a minority, keep in mind that they are mostly likely seeking knowledge, rather than intentionally being disrespectful. Their general knowledge of an American minority is going to be what they know from TV and entertainment.”

“How you act has a major impact on future students. Especially in Nagoya where they don’t often see foreigners. Please obey the rules and customs in the country no matter how they may seem.”

“Don't worry. The majority of the students at my school, Tec de Monterrey, were equally friendly to both me and the white students, and the people outside of the school were most of the time also very friendly and talkative. If you have relaxed hair, make sure that you bring your own relaxer kits, because every salon I went to did not have relaxers there, although I did get my hair cut at a salon regularly and she did a wonderful job. There is a Sally's Beauty Supply with the same oil and conditioners that I use at home, but don’t expect a lot of black products because there wont be a large amount, especially relaxer kits or anything relating, and when I asked about them, most of the people didn’t know what I was talking about. Be prepared to answer some questions or dispel common stereotypes that people might have about you and remember that the majority of what people will think about you will be from television, movies and of course rap music, and not personal contact. Other than that, most of the time, people simply referred to me and probably thought of me as American and not black, which is a change from in the States. Overall my experience was very positive and I would do it again in a heartbeat.”

Assistance

The Programs Abroad Office is here to help you plan your study abroad program. If you have any questions, thoughts or concerns as a student of color going abroad, please contact an advisor in the Programs Abroad Office.