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Student Identities Abroad

International Students

As an international student, you already understand the value of living and learning in another country and are gaining valuable intercultural experiences while studying at Dickinson. For some students, studying abroad can be an opportunity to expand those experiences even further by exploring another country, academic system, or cultural context.

If you are considering studying abroad, we encourage you to meet with the CGSE early in the process to discuss your options and any additional immigration or visa requirements that may apply. It is also important to stay in contact with your ISSS advisor as you prepare for your experience abroad and as you plan your return to Dickinson.

Questions to Ask Yourself and/or Your Education Abroad Advisor

Visa & Immigration Considerations

  • What type of visa will I need for my study abroad destination?
  • What documentation will the CGSE provide, and what documentation will I be responsible for obtaining?
  • Can I apply for my study abroad visa from the United States, or will I need to return to my home country to apply?
  • Is my passport valid for at least six months beyond the end of my program?
  • Will I need any additional travel, transit, or tourist visas during my time abroad?
  • What documentation will I need to return to the United States and continue my studies at Dickinson?

International Student Identity Abroad

  • How might I be perceived in my host country? Will people see me as an international student, an American student, both, or neither?
  • How are people from my nationality, ethnicity, race, religion, or cultural background perceived in my host country?
  • What stereotypes or assumptions might people have about my identity?
  • How might my experience differ from that of U.S. students on the same program?
  • What is the history of immigration, race, ethnicity, and identity in my host country?
  • Are there any social, cultural, or political issues that may impact how I am received or understood in my host community?

Tips

Start researching visa requirements early. Obtaining the appropriate visa can be one of the most time-consuming aspects of preparing for study abroad. Requirements vary by country and may differ depending on your citizenship.

Understand your responsibilities. The CGSE can provide guidance, supporting documentation, and general information about visa processes. However, international students are ultimately responsible for researching and obtaining any visas or immigration documents required for participation in their program.

Consider all of your travel plans. If you intend to travel outside your host country before, during, or after your program, research any visa, transit, or entry requirements for those destinations well in advance.

Apply as soon as you are eligible. Visa processing times can vary significantly and may involve appointments, travel to a consulate, or additional documentation requests. Starting early can help reduce stress and avoid delays.

Plan carefully for your return to the United States. Make sure your passport, visa, I-20, and any other required immigration documents will allow you to re-enter the United States after your program ends. If you have questions, consult an ISSS advisor before departure.

Research how your identities may be perceived abroad. Nationality, race, ethnicity, religion, language, and other aspects of identity may be understood differently in your host country than they are in the United States. Learning about these differences can help you prepare for your experience.

Connect with other international students who have studied abroad. Their experiences can provide valuable insight into visa processes, cultural adjustment, identity, and navigating multiple international transitions.

Keep copies of important documents. Before departure, make digital and physical copies of your passport, visa(s), immigration documents, insurance information, and emergency contacts, and store them in a secure location.

On-Campus Resources

General Resources