Before your journey, understand that cultural perceptions of race and ethnicity can differ greatly from your home country. These views vary by region and are influenced by your own cultural background and experiences. For example, in some cultures, giving nicknames based on physical traits like weight, hair, and skin color is common and often not intended to offend, which can be unsettling for U.S. students. Students might also face being tokenized as representatives or stereotyped based on American media portrayals, expected to be experts on their racial or ethnic group's history, or asked to criticize U.S. policies.

Some students pursue "heritage seeking" by studying in locations tied to their religious, linguistic, national, cultural, or ethnic backgrounds. These destinations offer unique opportunities but can also present challenges, such as high community expectations regarding the students' cultural knowledge and language skills. Be open to challenging and expanding your perspectives, and embracing cultural humility to acknowledge that you may not fully grasp the complexities of race and ethnicity in your host country. 

Engage in cross-cultural learning opportunities such as language classes, cultural immersion activities, excursions, and conversations with local residents. Be mindful of cultural differences in communication styles, nonverbal cues, and social norms related to race and ethnicity. Regardless of your destination, you may find that your identity shifts, often being seen first as a U.S. citizen rather than through your racial or ethnic lens. Staying connected with peers from similar backgrounds can help you navigate and reflect on these experiences. By embracing these opportunities and staying connected, you can better appreciate and navigate the diverse cultural landscape of your host country.

Reflecting on your own racial and ethnic identity is crucial, as daily self-reflection fosters deeper understanding, growth, and resilience. This practice helps you understand how language, appearance, and societal perceptions may affect your interactions in your host country. It also uncovers biases, assumptions, privileges, and challenges you might face.

By engaging in identity reflection, you become more aware of the lenses through which you view the world, promoting authentic and respectful interactions with people from diverse backgrounds. This process enhances empathy and cultural competence, essential for thriving internationally. Empathy allows you to connect with others on a deeper level, appreciating their experiences and perspectives, while cultural competence enables effective and meaningful interactions with people from different cultures.

By exploring your identity, you become more attuned to the identities of others. You learn to ask thoughtful questions, listen actively, and approach cultural differences with curiosity rather than judgment. This mindset enriches your personal experiences and promotes a more inclusive and respectful global community.

Practical Steps for Identity Reflection

As you prepare to travel or study abroad, here are some practical steps for engaging in identity reflection:

1. Journaling: Write about your racial and ethnic identity. Reflect on your experiences, challenges, and the strengths you derive from your identity. Consider how these might shape your interactions in a new cultural context.

2. Conversations: Engage in discussions with friends, family, or mentors about your identity and your upcoming journey. Seek perspectives from others who have traveled or studied abroad, particularly those who share your background.

3. Research: Learn about the cultural attitudes and social dynamics related to race and ethnicity in your host country. Dive into the historical and contemporary contexts that might influence your experiences.

4. Workshops and Resources: Participate in pre-departure workshops or sessions focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Utilize more DEI resources to begin thinking about how this all relevant to you.

5. Mindfulness and Openness: Practice mindfulness to stay grounded in your identity while remaining open to new experiences and perspectives. Embrace the discomfort that may come with stepping outside your comfort zone as an opportunity for growth.

Resources:

• Your Identity Abroad 
• Cultural Adjustment & Resilient Traveling  
• Beyond Guilt Trips by Anu Taranath -  this book surfaces big topics through small stories to show readers ways to grapple with their discomfort and navigate differences through accountability and connection.
• Traveling While Brown: Journeys in Privilege, Guilt, and Connection - Another article read by the previously mentioned Dr. Anu Taranath
• Privilege, Power, and Difference by Allan G. Johnson

Develop effective communication strategies for addressing issues related to race and ethnicity, both within your host community and with fellow students and program staff.

Studying abroad is not just an academic endeavor; it’s a profound personal journey that can significantly shape your identity and worldview. As you reflect on your experiences, consider how they have contributed to your growth and how you can share your journey to inspire and guide others.