Recommended Resources for Study Abroad

Planning to embark on your international program can be both an exciting and anxious time. What will the experience be like? Are you ready to face the challenges of adapting to a different culture? To ease your apprehension and increase your knowledge, follow the suggested links below or find additional resources by searching similar topics on the Internet. In addition, the U.S. Department of State has a resource for U.S. students studying abroad. The Students Abroad website is a mobile-friendly site designed to provide students and parents vital information related to studying abroad, including how to get a passport to safety information while abroad.

Adapting to a New Culture

• Culture Shock. Symptoms and key points to remember from the Center for Study Abroad.
• Meaningful Travel Tips and Tales: Mental Health and Self Care Abroad from GoAbroad.com.

Students with Disabilities

• Mobility International USA. Learn more about MIUSA, empowering people with disabilities around the world to achieve their human rights through international exchange and international development.
• Access Abroad. The Learning Abroad Center at the University of Minnesota has information on accessibility at study abroad sites and offers a wide variety of programs to meet the range of student needs.

Diversity

• Advisory Council on Global Affairs. Union College's web pages created in February 2017 in response to the Presidential Executive Order on travel.
• Diversity and Inclusion Abroad. Dealing with discrimination while abroad.
• Country-Specific Identity Resources. IES Abroad links to country-specific identity resources for students.
• Project for Learning Abroad, Training and Outreach. PLATO is an integrated study abroad training and diversity outreach program that provides comprehensive support resources for study abroad to all U.S. college and university students – with special support for underrepresented students.
• NAFSA Rainbow SIG Student Resources. Information, links, and resources for the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered international student community and study abroad students.
• International Gay & Lesbian Human Rights Commission. Learn more about the IGLHRC's work and find country-specific information.
• Her Own Way: A Women's Guide to Safe and Successful Travel. Safety tips for women while traveling abroad.
• University of Michigan International Center: Women Abroad. A complete guide for women who will participate in an international program.

Safety

• Advisory Council on Global Affairs. Union College's web pages created in February 2017 in response to the Presidential Executive Order on travel.
• Culture of Safety. Video prepared by the International Office at the University of Texas Austin.
• GeoBlue International Insurance. International Programs will enroll all Union-approved study abroad students in study abroad health insurance plan through GeoBlue, a leading provider of international health insurance.
• U.S. Department of State International Travel Information. Current international travel information as posted by the U.S. Department of State.
• Food and Travel Translation Cards. Communicate your food allergy or other health concerns while abroad.
• Personal Property Insurance. Low cost coverage of personal property while on campus and abroad. Browse website for costs/coverage.

Sustainable Travel

• Go Green Travel Green. A primer in how to become an eco-conscious traveler.
• Green Passport Program. Take the pledge to acknowledge the interconnectedness of the world’s people and the environment.
• Sustainability Abroad. Northwestern University's advice on being a responsible tourist.
• Center for Sustainable Destinations. National Geographic Traveler Online presents ideas to reduce your impact while traveling.