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Driven by the belief that every student should have the opportunity to study abroad, we’re on a mission to create as many accessible experiences as possible. Through our academic partnerships, we’re proud to offer student scholarships for education abroad.
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STUDENTS
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Explore a world of possibilities
With EF, studying abroad sparks passions, shifts perspectives, and fosters global citizenship. Our team of experts curates impactful, credit-bearing programs with curious students like you in mind. From exploring new cultures to learning by doing, these experiences are designed to empower success—in school, at work, and beyond.
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Opportunities for discovery
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Student scholarships
Earn credit abroad
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While these resources were selected with care, EF Study Abroad does not assume responsibility for the organizations whose links appear above and cannot ensure the accuracy of the included information.
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Social identity resources for student travelers
Personal identities can greatly shape your experiences abroad in both good and challenging ways. Before departing on your program, please look through this collection of resources to ensure you feel informed, prepared, and confident about your travels—no matter where you’re headed.
Countries and cultures vary widely in terms of how identities are defined and understood. When preparing for an experience abroad, it’s important to consider how your race, ethnicity, and nationality will be perceived within the context of your destination(s). Every destination is different, and students of color should take time to think through the steps that will help ensure they are prepared to make the most of their experience.
Resources:
Travel Safety - Race and Ethnicity
Diversity Abroad: Culture & Diversity Destination Guides
Diversity Abroad: Managing Black Hair Abroad
Diversity Abroad: Engaging in Challenging Conversations While Abroad
Although EF Study Abroad cannot provide legal advice on whether DACA recipients should consider travel, we aim to support students and their families by sharing resources from reputable organizations as well as the U.S. government. The following resources should serve as a starting point in the research process to make an informed decision with your immigration lawyer about international travel.
UC Berkeley: Travel Abroad
ILRC (Immigrant Legal Resource Center)
US Citizenship & Immigration Services
LGBTQ+ travelers may face a unique set of challenges and experiences when traveling abroad. As you navigate new and unfamiliar cultures, you may find that attitudes and laws differ from your experience in your home country. Prior to your program’s departure date, we recommend researching each of your destinations, so you know what to expect ahead of your arrival.
Resources:
U.S. State Department: Information for LGBTQ+ Travelers
EqualDex: Country by country analysis of LGBTQ+ acceptance
The National Center for Transgender Equality’s travel page, and their tips for navigating airport security while knowing your rights
IGLA World: State-Sponsored Homophobia Report
Preparing for life abroad can be equal parts exciting and stressful. Many travelers have found it helpful to create a list of self-care strategies as a tool to navigate the adjustment process abroad. Travelers with existing medical or mental health conditions should take extra precautions to learn about their destination’s healthcare resources, accessibility policies, and cultural perspectives around behavioral and mental health. It is strongly recommended that all travelers speak to their medical and mental health providers prior to departure. We also recommend that students share any significant concerns or accommodation requests with their Program Leader and/or EF Representative prior to departure.
Resources:
CDC Advice for Travelers: Mental Health
Anxiety & Depression Association of America
Traveling Abroad with Medicine
If you have a physical and/or learning disability, you may face unfamiliar challenges abroad encountering cultures whose social norms around disabilities are different from those in the United States. This could lead to a lack of understanding of your disability, which can be exacerbated by language barriers. The accommodations, facilities, and modes of transportation in other countries are not bound by the same accessibility laws that apply in the U.S., and therefore may not be up to the same standard of accessibility. While consulting the following resources, please remember that group travel on an EF program will differ from travel on an individual or family level.
In advance of enrolling on your program, our expert teams are here to discuss individual accommodations. In order to make appropriate operational arrangements, EF requires travelers to disclose the use of mobility or disability aids. Please review the Health and Capabilities section of the Participant Agreement and Release of Liability and contact your Program Leader and/or EF Traveler Support (877-485-4184) with any questions.
Resources:
U.S. Department of State
Mobility International USA
CDC Yellow Book
Depending on your institution’s policies and state laws, there might be resources available to help you study abroad (such as funding for necessary equipment, bringing an aide abroad, and even scholarships). We highly recommend reaching out to disability services to see which on-campus resources can extend to your study abroad program.
First-generation college students are among the least likely demographic group to participate in international education experiences, but they are uniquely positioned to forge connections across cultural barriers. First-generation college students traveling abroad should also be aware that some travelers who share nationality with the citizens of the country they are traveling to but were raised elsewhere may be identified as someone who is not native to the country and may be treated accordingly.
Resources:
Diversity Abroad: First Generation Students Traveling Abroad
Meaningful travel tips and tales: First-gen students abroad
Before traveling abroad, you might want to take a few minutes to learn more about the religious beliefs of your host country. Consider researching whether you will be part of a religious majority or minority abroad, how tolerant your host country may be of various religions, if there are holidays celebrated in your host country, and if there are places of worship you will be able to visit while traveling.
Resources:
U.S. Department of State: Religious Freedom Reports
Diversity Abroad: Religion
Harvard University: The Pluralism Project
Military, Veteran, and ROTC students can participate in study abroad programs to gain more global experience. Like many other identities, it is important to reflect upon how your veteran or active military status will impact your experience abroad. As a veteran, you may be eligible to use your associated benefits to fund your study abroad program. We recommend connecting with the Military and Veteran office and Study Abroad office on campus to understand the process of applying your GI Bill toward this experience.
Resources:
Study Abroad Program Fact Sheet
How to Use Your GI Bill to Go Abroad
How to Study Abroad as a Veteran
NAFSA: Helping Military Students Study Abroad
Foreign Programs: Veteran Affairs