Access and Inclusion Abroad | UNC Kenan-Flagler

The Undergraduate Business Program is committed to fostering a safe and inclusive environment for all students and to encouraging a diverse student population to study abroad.

We recognize that your social identity/ies can influence, impact, or be impacted by a study abroad experience and believe that it’s important to give careful consideration to these topics ahead of time.

To help you along, we encourage you to visit the pages linked below that include resources and questions for you to consider as you plan for your study abroad experience. As always, the UBP Global team is available to discuss your questions – schedule an appointment anytime.

Additionally, students who are comfortable with exploring their identity here at UNC will be better prepared to engage with the issues raised above. In order to best prepare, you may want to consider working through identity-related questions and topics with resources on campus. The resources within the Diversity and Inclusion Office and Campus Centers are a great place to start.

Race and Ethnicity

Racial and ethnic perceptions and experiences vary by culture and country. For some students, studying abroad may present the first time in the position of being in the minority or in an underrepresented racial or ethnic group. Others may experience the opposite and become a part of the majority group for the first time. When studying abroad, it is important to learn about how people of your racial/ethnic identity are perceived and treated. It helps you to be aware of the variety of views and perspectives that could be positive, negative, and everything in between.

Race and Ethnicity Resources
Students of Color Abroad
Advice to My Curlfriends: Everything You Need to Know About Hair Care Abroad
Black and Abroad
Heritage Seekers
Gaining Experience

LGBTQIA+

Cultures vary in terms of how sexual and gender identities are defined and understood. Laws, customs, social norms, expectations, and attitudes regarding sexual orientations can vary greatly in different countries, cultures, and communities. It is important to do your research prior to your departure on these dynamics in your host country to stay safe and foster an enriching cultural experience. Some countries are more welcoming and legally protective than the U.S., while others are less accepting and more restrictive.

Gender Identity and Sexuality Resources
International Lesbian and Gay Association: Map of Sexual Orientation Laws in the World
Dept. of State LGBTI Travelers
LGBTQ Traveler’s Guide

Gender

Gender roles can differ from country to country and often inform the way a specific gender is expected to act, dress, speak, and navigate within the social and cultural norms of a culture. Your gender may impact who and how you are able to interact with others in your host country and culture. There may also be a difference in the way you are treated as a foreigner rather than a local person of the same gender. Thus it is important for both men and women to research the laws, customs, societal norms of gender roles, and dynamics in your host country. It is also important to observe social cues from the local people in your host country.

Women Going Abroad
Dept. of State Women Travelers

Accessibility

Students who need disability access can study abroad. We encourage students to speak with UNC Accessibility Resources and Service, as well as the UBP Global Team to discuss options. It’s important to find out what options are available to you before you go. In many cases, arrangements can be made to ensure that you have access to everything you need in transit and while spending time away from home.

Accessibility
Managing a Physical Disability Abroad
Mobility International
Students with Disabilities Abroad
How to Deal With Depression While Studying Abroad

Carolina Firsts

As the first person in your family to go to college, you may feel like studying abroad adds another layer of complexity to your educational experience. However, studying abroad has so many benefits that often help you not only reach your goal of graduation but will make you a stronger candidate as you begin your career. Whether it’s asking about the cost of study abroad or requesting help on how to bring it up to your family, or just not knowing where to start – the UBP Global Team is here to support you and remove any complexities in studying abroad.

First Generation Students Traveling Abroad

Religion and Spirituality

Religion and spirituality play many different roles across the globe. You will likely be studying abroad in a country with different religious and spiritual norms and practices, even if your underlying religious beliefs are the same. It is important to research and respect the religious and spiritual beliefs of your host country. If the religious and/or spiritual beliefs differ from your own, it is important to keep an open mind, as it allows for a greater understanding of the culture and provides you an opportunity to reflect on your own religious and or spiritual beliefs.

Religion and Spirituality
Feeding My Faith as a Global Citizen
Reflections on Studying Abroad as a Muslim Woman
Dept. of State Faith-Based Travelers

Global Students

International degree-seeking students

As an international degree-seeking student you are already studying abroad while here at UNC. However, you may still want to study abroad in another country while earning your degree. Make sure you check with the Office for International Student and Scholar Services before studying abroad in another country.

Immigration Status

Undocumented

Although we currently do not advise DACA or undocumented students to leave the U.S., there are ways you, too, can have a global experience while at UNC. Consider local, global opportunities happening right here in the Research Triangle—there are so many to choose from (See Local Global Resources and Latinx Community Opportunities). Additionally, we encourage you to take a look at the UBP domestic global programs.

Student-Athletes

Student-athletes can and do participate in global programs through Kenan-Flagler. Global programs provide student-athletes with the opportunity to expand their horizons beyond the playing field. Student-athletes interested in a global experience can start the conversation with their academic counselor from the Academic Support Program for Student-Athletes (ASPSA) on how a global experience can be programmed into their academic and athletic plans and review athletic eligibility.

Student-Athletes
Student-Athletes Abroad
How to Study Abroad as a College Athlete

Non-Traditional Students

Non-traditional students typically have different responsibilities such as those tied to families, professions, and other obligations at home that do not affect many “traditional students” in the same way. Thus it is important to take these factors into consideration when studying abroad. There are numerous program types with various lengths to consider. Many non-traditional students have life experiences that allow for deeper cultural exploration during their study abroad experience.

Student Parents
Must-Ask Questions for Adult Students Traveling Abroad

Military & Veterans

Military, Veteran, and ROTC students often participate in study abroad programs to gain further global experiences. Military, Veteran, and ROTC students are often able to gain new perspectives as they study in a different culture and country. Global programs can often enhance and complement the international experience gained through the military.

Veterans and Student Service Members
Gilman-McCain Scholarship
Being the Only One in Australia

High-Financial Need

One of the most popular myths surrounding studying abroad is that students with high financial needs cannot afford it. However, many Kenan-Flagler students with high financial needs do study abroad! The key to a successful experience abroad is planning. As you plan, consider how you will balance your goals for studying abroad with your financial situation.

Scholarships and Financial Aid
Gilman Scholarship
Other Funding Sources
Students on a Budget Abroad