How to Prepare for Study Abroad as a Person of Color

Preparing for Studying Abroad as a POC

In Fall ‘22, I studied abroad with CEA CAPA in Prague. After I wrote a blog about my experience studying abroad as an Asian American, I reflected on how I prepared for studying abroad as a person of color so you can too.  

1. Do research. Find what communities or minorities exist within your host city. Look up societal customs and practices so you can prepare for any differences.   

2. Plan ahead. Before leaving for Prague, I went down a rabbit-hole of Czech culinary videos only to discover that they had a significant Vietnamese population. This helped me adjust while abroad; whenever I missed Asian cuisine or ingredients, I’d eat and shop at a nearby Vietnamese restaurant or market.   

3. Reflect on previous travels. Traveling encourages open-mindedness, and open-mindedness will lead to your betterment as a person. If I didn't get exposed to such diverse lives, people, and identities, I wouldn't be the Nanette that I am today.  

4. Embrace differences. Of course, I still love to eat my Asian meals and catch up with the friends who relate to me, but now I embrace any chance to love someone or live somewhere new.  

How did you prepare and connect with your identity while studying abroad? Tell us below!