Students of Faith Communities
Participating in global learning activities provides opportunities to connect with diverse communities internationally, some of which may reflect differences in religious expression and practice, representing the diversity of faith communities and religions globally. When preparing to travel abroad, it is important for students to explore how their faith is perceived, treated and practiced in their destination country, region or community.
Here are some resources to assist you in researching your destination country and learning more about the experiences of students of faith abroad.
- What do you know about the religion(s) of your destination country and the role religion plays in society?
- What is the attitude of people in your destination country towards other religions and/or your religion?
- How is wearing religious symbols or clothing treated in your destination country?
- How are religious holidays observed and celebrated? Will you want to participate?
- How will people perceive your religion? Are there legal issues with your religion in your destination country?
- Will you have access to your religion’s places of worship or religious groups? If not, how will you adjust your religious practice while abroad?
- Will your religion’s holidays be observed and celebrated in your destination country? If not, how do you plan to observe holidays?
- Will your religious dietary restrictions be accommodated in your destination country?
- If you plan to live in a homestay while abroad, are you open to living in a homestay with a similar or diverse religious background from yourself? How will this impact your religious practice?
Note that some of this information was adapted from Northwestern University - Global Learning Office’s Religion & Spirituality page (external link, opens in new window) .
Student Stories - Faith Communities (external link, opens in new window) - Articles by students of faith communities who have participated in global learning activities at Butler University.
Religious Diversity Abroad (external link, opens in new window) - By Diversity Abroad, a U.S. based website that aims to promote study abroad opportunities among U.S. students
Religion & Spirituality (external link, opens in new window) - Resource page from Northwestern University. Includes resources for finding religious and spiritual groups abroad.
The Pluralism Project, Harvard University (external link, opens in new window) - This website acts as a hub for links to resources about religion and spirituality around the world.
Muzbnb (external link, opens in new window) - A hospitality service geared specifically towards the muslim community. This website connects travelers with short-term rentals, hotels, restaurants and more.