While your social identity will likely shape your study abroad experience, your study abroad experience will shape you, too!

And we'd like to help with those first few steps, those confusing moments abroad, and maybe even how you process 'what just happened?' when you get home. Fostering and supporting students from diverse backgrounds has always been part of what we do. 

So whether you have a food allergy, anxiety, or a tight budget, or are the first family member to go to college (and abroad), LGBTQ+-identifying, an international student, or looking to practice your religion abroad (or maybe all of the above!), we've got you covered. We are proud to share a series of both IES Abroad and external resources compiled to make the predeparture and on-site process easier―check them out below!

NOTE: IES Abroad does not have a partnership or formally endorse any external resources listed within this section.

students eating German food at a festival in Dresden

Dietary Concerns

From picky eaters to try-everything-once-ers, students who study or intern abroad are pretty obsessed with food, and so are we.

a student meditating near the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland

Disability, Mental Health & Self-Care

Living abroad can be a challenging experience, especially when it comes to mental health and physical accessibility.

using a calculator and notepad to budget money

Finances & Budgeting

We recognize that studying abroad with financial concerns may seem like a barrier or a challenge.

students laugh while cooking with their host mom in Rabat

First-Generation

Being the first person in your family to go to college is an honor, and we are already so proud of you for taking that first step.

students sitting by the sea in Australia with a rainbow over them

LGBTQIA+

We take pride in simply getting to know you and look forward to adventuring through this incredible world with you.

two students stand arm-in-arm in front of lagoons in San Pedro de Atacama, Chile

Race, Ethnicity & Nationality

Studying and interning abroad is not just for a specific type of student; it is for anyone, no matter how they identify.

a student posing for a photo by a Buddha statue in Shanghai

Religion & Spirituality

We welcome students from all faiths and religions and encourage you to explore and delve deep into the culture around you.

a group of black students posing for a photo in Beijing

Traveling with Natural Hair

Whether you have it loc'd, straightened, natural, or in a protective style, we've got you!

“I'm slowly learning that being "perfect" isn't required to be "prepared." In fact, preparation for study abroad requires imperfection and, more specifically, being okay when things don't go perfectly.”
Kandise L. • Northwestern University • Milan – Music: Voice, Composition & Instrumental

Browse More Identity Resources

Just as each study abroad experience is unique, each location offers a different adventure. So we've made sure to compile diversity resources specific to your host city and country. 

All Resources
students attend an LGBT parade