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Race and Ethnicity

Race, Ethnicity and Nationality

For some members of a specific race or ethnicity, studying abroad can be a journey towards discovering heritage or family history. For others it is simply an exciting journey out of their “comfort zone.”  Regardless of the motives behind your choice of a location, support is available at OU and elsewhere to help you select the right location that will allow you to learn more about yourself and how you identify with those around you.

Things to Consider
  • Stereotypes exist in every culture of the world.
    What are some of the most common stereotypes in the place(s) you plan to go while you’re abroad?
  • Besides looking into stereotypes, try doing some research on the cultural norms and expectations in the host culture(s).
    While no one expects that you could adapt to all the norms of a culture, knowing a bit about what they are will make you even better prepared and more informed. 
  • You may encounter overly curious locals, people with biased attitudes, and racism in your host country. Are there any resources you might want or need specific to your host culture? For example, are there specific cultural/historical sites that hold meaning to your identity that you want to visit? Are there services to identify before you travel, such as barbers/hair stylists specializing in natural hair or braids, places accommodating various dietary restrictions, or places of worship? Remember that your study abroad advisor is a great resource and can help you connect with other students, faculty, or staff who might be able to recommend some local options.        
  • What do travelers like you seek out in your host country?
    Specific cultural/historical sites, a trendy market, certain types of eateries? Connect with travellers to ask about any “insider tips” they can give you about places or sites and what they’ve gotten out of the experience. You may decide to take their advice or just use it on the path to your own unique journey.
  • Who is part of your support network and how will you continue reaching out to those people while you’re abroad?
Resources

OU Campus Resources

Get connected with OU campus resources! These services can be valuable, even while you are abroad.

Nationality

Students who attend OU and are non-US citizens or international students have options when it comes to studying abroad. Your choices are not necessarily restricted because of your nationality, although there may be a few additional steps to take in order to comply with US immigration procedures and/or visa application processes for the country you choose. OU’s Office of Education Abroad can help you explore the variety of options open to all OU students for study abroad locations and can work with you to understand the requirements for each destination and to ensure you have everything in place to start the journey abroad.

Things to Consider
  • Your current US visa status may be one of the considerations that you need to take into account when applying for a student visa for another location.
    Check your country’s immigrations requirements to understand what you may need to study abroad in a specific location abroad.
  •  Depending on your citizenship, you may need a “transit visa” even just to pass through a country on the way to your final destination.  
    Think through all your travel plans (including where you may want to go on long weekends and during breaks) before you depart to make sure you are informed about each country’s travel and visa requirements.     
Resources

OU Campus Resources

Get connected with OU campus resources! These services can be valuable, even while you are abroad.

Education Abroad
Farzaneh Hall
729 Elm Ave., Room 144
Norman, OK 73019

Updated 6/17/2024 by Education Abroad: ea@ou.edu