Student Programs
For all Bard Abroad programs, check out their respective webpages. You can find out more about each country through the U.S. Department of State Travel Database.
Identity Abroad
While experiences abroad can help expand and explore identity, they can also be challenging. One should reflect and research about how various aspects of identity are perceived in their intended host country. To help students explore and prepare, we have compiled these resources relating to different identity characteristics. While they are separated in this manner, many do intersect and should be read in conjunction with one another depending on the reader. Everyone will have a unique experience, and we hope these resources can be a starting point.
Identity Abroad
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First Time Traveler
First Time Traveler
As a first time traveler, you probably have many questions about the study abroad experience! To begin this process, your first resource will be your study abroad advisor. For Bard students, your advisor is Trish Fleming.
Considerations
8 Useful International Travel Tips for First-Time Travelers
How to Fight Homesickness Abroad
Your New Study Abroad Checklist + Tips to Prepare
For additional considerations, please see Finances Abroad. -
Gender and Sexuality
Gender and Sexuality
In each country you visit, there is a different culture with a different perception of gender identity, gender roles, and sexuality. To prepare for your time abroad, it is best to research your intended host country and their perception of each attribute. Make sure to consult with medical professionals as well as your host country's regulations concerning any medical necessities affiliated with your gender and/or sexuality.
Considerations for Transgender or Non-Binary Travelers
National Center for Transgender Equality: Know Your Rights - Airport Security
Experiences
IES Abroad: Ni él, ni ella: Being Nonbinary in Spain
Greenheart Travel: Our Alumni’s Advice for Studying Abroad as a Transgender Student in Japan
Informational Support
US Department of State: LGBTI Travelers
TSA: Transgender Passengers
TSA: Security Screening
Trans Respect vs Transphobia
Considerations for Women Travelers
Diversity Abroad: Women Going Abroad
Informational Support
Gynopedia Index
US Department of State: Women Travelers
Considerations Regarding Sexuality
Diversity Abroad: LGBTQ+ Students Abroad
Experiences
NPR: Know An LGBTQ Student Itching To Study Abroad? Here Are Some Things To Think About
Global Gayz
Go Overseas: 9 Major Life Lessons I learned Studying Abroad as a LGBT
Go Abroad: Meaningful Travel Tips and Tales: LGBTQ Traveler’s Perspectives
Informational Support
US Department of State: LGBTI Travelers
Bard Office of Title IX and Nondiscrimination
Pathways to Safety International
Fund for Education Abroad: The Rainbow Scholarship
ILGA: Maps - Sexual Orientation Laws
Equaldex Maps -
Ability
Ability
When traveling abroad with a disability, it is important to plan ahead. Important advocates can be your home institution’s disabilities support services, your study abroad office, your host institution’s disabilities support services and yourself.
Considerations
Diversity Abroad: Students with Disabilities Abroad
Experiences
IFSA Butler: 4 Tips on Traveling as a Student in a Powered Wheelchair
IFSA Butler: Self Discovery Through an Autoimmune Disease Abroad
IFSA Butler: Six Tips Every Diabetic Should Read Before Studying Abroad
First Abroad Stories: Shalom Hernandez and Managing a Physical Disability Abroad
Informational Support
Mobility International USA
US Dept of State: Travelers with Disabilities -
Mental Health
Mental Health
Mental health support services can come in many different forms. It is important to be mindful about services that are available in-person and virtually as well as the availability of certain medications when traveling.
Considerations
Managing Mental Health While Abroad
Experiences
Balancing Mental Health While Abroad
Informational Support
While these resources can help guide your mental health journey, make sure to consult with your medical professionals and insurance when choosing what support is best for you during your study abroad experience! -
Dietary Restrictions
Dietary Restrictions
Dietary customs vary from country to country. Foods available in restaurants and markets are influenced greatly by local products and traditions. Be mindful of your dietary limitations while also experiencing all your host country has to offer.
Considerations
5 Ways to Survive and Thrive as a Vegetarian Abroad
Experiences
Celiac Disease Abroad
Gluten Free Travel Stories
Informational Support
Happy Cow (Vegan)
The Vegetarian Resource Group
Zabihah (Halal) -
Race & Ethnicity
Race & Ethnicity
The perception of race and ethnicity varies from country to country. Those that typically find themselves in the minority group in their home country might be a part of the majority group in their host country. For others, they are still a part of the minority group but just in another context. Both of these new experiences can be unnerving and require support.
Considerations
Minority & Students of Color Abroad
Tips for Heritage Seekers Traveling Abroad
Leave Them Woke in Your Wake: 9 Truths for Black Students Traveling Abroad
Experiences
Melanin in Milan: Finding My People Abroad
Traveling to Find Your Roots
“Ouvrir la Voix”: A Radically Frank Documentary About the Experience of Black Women in France
Black Travel Sites to Follow: GoAbroad Interviews WeGoToo
Forum on Education Abroad Webinar: Transnational Blackness (July 30, 2020)
Living While Black, In Japan
Informational Support
Traveling with Natural Hair
Meaningful Travel Tips & Tales: African American Perspectives -
First Generation Student
First Generation Student
Being a first generation student abroad can be an exciting and anxious experience. Through this new experience, you will be able to learn more about yourself and the world. As a first-generation college student, your support system looks the same but now includes your home institution’s study abroad office!
Considerations
Meaningful Travel Tips and Tales: First Gen. Students Abroad
Making the Decision to Study Abroad as a First-Gen Student
Experiences
Student Voices – Being a First-Generation Student Abroad
What's it Like to Study Abroad and Be the First in Your Family to Travel?
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Religion
Religion
Each country has different perceptions of religions and religious traditions. Depending on a host country’s religious climate, different practices might have different availabilities. Find below various ways to locate multiple religious opportunities.
Considerations
Religious Diversity Abroad
Experiences
International Religious Freedom Reports
Reflections on Studying Abroad as a Muslim Woman
Informational Support- Buddhism
- Christianity
- Hinduism
- Islam
- Judaism
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Submit Your Own
Bard Abroad recognizes that resources should be constantly updated and expanded as new information becomes available. With your help, we will continue adding to and updating through the Google Form below. We invite all study abroad alumni to submit helpful articles, comments, and tips for future students.
Finances Abroad
There is no monolithic experience for every student studying abroad, especially when it comes to finance. The hope is that these resources can serve as an initial guide for finances at all stages of the study abroad experience; from financing your chosen program to re-entry. Personal finances intersect with different identity characteristics, for this reason we wanted to create a comprehensive resource regardless of one’s starting place.
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Pre-DeparturePrior to a study abroad experience, there can be various responsibilities and concerns regarding finances and paperwork.
Pre-Departure
Prior to a study abroad experience, there can be various responsibilities and concerns regarding finances and paperwork.
Considerations- Students on a Budget Abroad
- Costs to keep in mind before you leave:
- Cost of living for locations
- Passport Fee (if you don’t currently have an up to date passport)
- Application Fee
- Deposit
- Student Visas (Depends on the program, may be included)
- Health Insurance (Depends on the program, may be included)
- Airfare and other transportation costs
- Travel health and immunizations
- Any medication you will need while abroad (term supply)
- Getting started:
- Familiarize yourself with the details of your Financial Aid package and the transferability of its various components towards study abroad (institutional scholarships, federal/state aid, loans)
- Explore programs
- Bard Abroad
- Tuition Exchange (for Bard Students)
- Other programs
- On-Campus Resources
- Discuss options and financial aid transferability with your study abroad advisor! For Bard students, your study abroad advisor is Trish Fleming.
- Meet with the Financial Aid Office if you need further clarification about your aid package vis a vis study abroad.
- Scholarships
"When you are packing be aware that seasons change and you’ll want to bring things home with you. This isn’t a vacation, you'll have a laundry machine only to pack what you need. You may leave things behind so pack things you would be fine with donating seeing as you may pick up things you like better!"
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While AbroadFinances and budgeting during a semester abroad can look different then a semester at one’s home institution. Be mindful of what you have and what you want to experience, and create a new semester budget from there!
While Abroad
Finances and budgeting during a semester abroad can look different then a semester at one’s home institution. Be mindful of what you have and what you want to experience, and create a new semester budget from there!
Considerations- Find below various fees to keep in mind during your time abroad. Please note: some of these fees may be included in the overall cost of a program.
- Permit fees
- Immigration/entry fee
- Accommodations (bedding, kitchen)
- Local cell phone/ internet access
- Public transportation
- Currency conversion
- ATM fees
- Additional meals
- Additional personal activities and travel
- Academic expenses: tuition, books
- Program expenses: group excursions
- Health and safety expenses: insurance
- Personal expenses: toiletries, souvenirs, entertainment
- Souvenirs
- Ways to save while abroad
- In constructing these following sections, Bard study abroad alumni/ae provided input regarding budgeting from their time abroad. Bard Abroad does not endorse these organizations and it is your responsibility to research which are appropriate for you.
- Recreational Travel
- Ryan Air
- Easy Jet
- Rome2Rio
- FlexBus
- Google Flights
- Omio
- Alternative to Hotels when Traveling
- Hostels Worldwide
- Couchsurfing
- ATM and credit fees
- Discuss ATM and credit fees with your banks
- Be aware of exchange rates (especially if it's not around a 1 to 1 rate)
- Consider getting an international credit card
- Cash can be a better option due to exchange rates
- Eat and shop locally
- Grocery stores
- Be mindful about shopping locally and with smaller businesses to support the local economy
- Tips for Eating Healthy on a Budget While Abroad
- Going out
- Look up free and cheap events
- Free museum days
- Open-air cinemas
- Street festivals
- Look up free and cheap events
- Transportation
- Walking
- If the location allows for its walking can be the best way to get around. Not only is it a free option, but it allows you to sightsee as you travel and find hidden gems you may not have otherwise.
- Public transportation
- If your school doesn't include a pass with your program cost, oftentimes public transport has student discounts.
- Bikes and scooters
- Can be available to rent depending on your location.
- Walking
- Textbooks
- Many textbooks can be found online or in your host institutions' library. Not only can this help with your budget while abroad, but it also does not add another item to your suitcase.
- Student Jobs while Abroad
- Depending on your visa and your host institution/program, you may be able to get a job while abroad! To start this process, talk to your program coordinator and host institution to see what is possible (keeping in mind, of course, that your academics take priority).
- Student Discounts
- Nearly all study abroad destinations – whether capital city or a small town in the countryside – will have establishments that offer discounts to students or are generally more affordable.
- Tips: Services
- Ask students who are alumni of your program.
- Ask local students and staff on your program or at the host university.
- Check online to see if there are any places that offer student discounts!
- Establishments by universities often offer student discounts, be on the lookout!
- International Student Identity Card (ISIC)
- ISIC offers travel and student discounts for cardholders. Some programs provide this card within the program cost.
- UNiDAYS
- UNiDays is a search engine to locate places that offer a discount with student ID. Searchable categories include retail, food, and entertainment. There is no additional feed for this service.
- Apps to Use While Abroad
- Tips: Services
- Nearly all study abroad destinations – whether capital city or a small town in the countryside – will have establishments that offer discounts to students or are generally more affordable.
- Recreational Travel
- In constructing these following sections, Bard study abroad alumni/ae provided input regarding budgeting from their time abroad. Bard Abroad does not endorse these organizations and it is your responsibility to research which are appropriate for you.
- Find below various fees to keep in mind during your time abroad. Please note: some of these fees may be included in the overall cost of a program.
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Continuing International ExperiencesAfter a semester abroad, there are many ways to continue your international experience! This can be through keeping in touch with your host institution’s alumni/ae network as well as looking towards potential careers.
Continuing International Experiences
After a semester abroad, there are many ways to continue your international experience! This can be through keeping in touch with your host institution’s alumni/ae network as well as looking towards potential careers.
Considerations- How to Market Your Study Abroad Experience to Employers
- Also, contact your home institution’s career development office!
- For Bard students: Bard's CDO can provide Bard students institutional access to GoinGlobal, a site providing country-by-country job search support and real-time job listings.
- Keep in contact with alumni/ae from your program, as a way to feel connected to your time abroad.
- Going to returner/re-entry meeting
- Keeping in contact with the friends you made while abroad
- Sign up for alumni/ae emails from your host institution or program provider
- Tips for Maintaining Language Fluency When You Return Home
- How to Market Your Study Abroad Experience to Employers
Safety and Security
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Before You Leave
Before You Leave
- Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
- Students Abroad (U.S. State Department)
- Traveling with Medications
- Culture Shock
- What’s Up with Culture, Module 1: What to Know Before You Go
- Voting While Abroad
- Country-Specific Information from the BBC
- Bard Office of Gender Equity
- Pathways to Safety International
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Upon Your Return
Faculty Resources
Student Recommendations
To recommend a student for study abroad, use the link below to log in to the Bard Abroad online recommendation system.
Recommendation Login
Recommendation Login
Bard Abroad In-Classroom Presentations
If you would like a member of the Bard Abroad team to give a 10-minute presentation to your class, please email us to make an appointment.