In some study abroad locations, students will find significant cultural
differences in attitudes towards women. Women may not be viewed
as equals to men and may experience different treatment than in the
U.S. Men in other cultures may demonstrate their appraisal of
a female student by staring, making verbal comments, following a woman
on the street, or honking a car horn, for example. At first, some
women feel flattered, but for many women, the attention comes to be
annoying. Ignoring such attentions helps discourage them,
and there are other ways students can reduce them.
In a different area, there are different social rules for women’s
behavior. Be careful not to send signals you don’t mean
to send! In the U.S., acting friendly towards a man is frequently
a part of common courtesy, but may be misinterpreted abroad. Be
aware of the fact that in many countries, American women have the reputation
of being “loose” or “easy.” While Americans
usually smile and make eye contact with strangers on the street and
in other public settings, such behavior may bring unwanted invitations
in other countries. Accepting a drink in a bar could also mean
something different than what you think it does. In addition,
you may want to dress more conservatively than you would in the U.S.
– the tank tops you frequently wear in Manhattan may bring you
increased attention. In general, watch the behavior of local women and
take your cues from them.
Women should also practice the safety precautions they frequently
take at home. It is wise in both the U.S. and abroad to avoid
walking alone late at night, or in certain neighborhoods. It may
be a good idea to team up with a friend when going to a party or bar
where you may be consuming alcohol. As in Manhattan, avoid drinking
beverages that you haven’t opened yourself or gotten directly
from a bartender or waiter. If you put your drink down and leave
it unattended, do not drink from it again! If meeting someone
you do not know well, always meet in a public place.
If an incident should occur, go to the hospital for medical attention and call the police. If you chose not to go to the police you can still receive help from the Women’s Center at K-State and Counseling Services. We encourage you to seek help through all avenues.
Women’s Center http://www.k-state.edu/womenscenter/ phone: 785-532-6444
fax: 785-532-6457 email:womenscenter@ksu.edu
Counseling Services http://www.k-state.edu/counseling/
phone: 785-532-6927
fax: 785-532-3932 e-mail: counsel@ksu.edu
Students who are members of minority groups (ethnic minorities, participants with disabilities, participants who are overweight, religious minorities, gay and lesbian students) may face particular challenges in the study-abroad setting. For example, African-American students in St. Petersburg and white students in the Dominican Republic may experience similar feelings of discomfort and may learn that host country nationals hold misconceptions about ethnic groups. “NAFSA: Association of International Educators has an index of information for advisers and students about underrepresented populations going abroad from the United States. NAFSA: Underrepresented Populations in Education Abroad
Non-visible minority groups, such as gay students in China or Japanese-American students in Japan may face different challenges. The gay student, who could be openly gay on the home campus, may feel pressure to modify his behavior in a culture where homosexuality is not accepted or is against the law. For support, GLBT students can head to the NAFSA Rainbow Special Interest Group, particularly designed for gay, lesbian, and bisexual students abroad. NAFSA Rainbow Special Interest Group Website
Students with physical disabilities can find support and tips through Mobility International found on the web at http://www.miusa.org. Students with learning disabilities should let their program know before they arrive so that arrangements can be made to accommodate special needs.
For some students, the culture shock may be double: students can be in the minority in their own group of study abroad students as well as in the host culture. Study abroad advisors and resident staffs are sensitive to these issues and will provide as much information and support as possible.
Counseling Services http://www.k-state.edu/counseling/
phone: 785-532-6927
fax: 785-532-3932 e-mail: counsel@ksu.edu