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As you research programs and locations, consider:Ìý

• What religious, spiritual, or secular communities are present in the host culture?Ìý
• How are people who share my identity, beliefs, or practices perceived?Ìý
• What historical or current factors shape local attitudes toward religion and nonreligion?Ìý
• Are there patterns of inclusion, discrimination, or bias that may affect me or members of communities?Ìý
• Will I have access to places of worship, spiritual communities, or other resources that are important to me?Ìý
• Can the program and location accommodate religious dietary practices, holidays, or other observances?Ìý
• Am I hoping to connect with my religious heritage, deepen spiritual practice, or explore another tradition while away?Ìý

ÌýA GEC advisor can help you think through these questions and connect you with program-specific information or alumni perspectives.Ìý

General ResourcesÌý

• – global data and research on religion and religious changeÌý
• – Harvard University resources on religious diversity and interfaith engagementÌý
• – U.S. Department of State country reports; select International Religious Freedom ReportsÌý

ÌýFinding CommunityÌý

• – halal restaurants, markets, and prayer spacesÌý
• – global humanist organizations and resourcesÌý
• – prayer times and mosque informationÌý
• – Jewish history, communities, and reference resourcesÌý
• – kosher food, synagogues/minyanim, eruvim, and travel guidesÌý
• – Buddhist centers and organizations worldwideÌý

Preparation cannot anticipate every experience, but it can help you build knowledge, identify resources, and strengthen your support network before you leave.Ìý

Build Your Support NetworkÌý

Consider who you can turn to before, during, and after your experience. Your network might include:Ìý

• Students studying away during the same termÌý
• Global engagement alumniÌý
• Elon faculty and staffÌý
• Family, friends, mentors, and religious or spiritual communitiesÌý
• Truitt Center for Religious and Spiritual Life – Elon support for religious, spiritual, and interfaith lifeÌý
• Center for the Study of Religion, Culture and Society – Elon resources for the study of religion in cultural and social contextsÌý

ÌýQuestions to Consider before You GoÌý

• What are the dominant and minorities of religious and spiritual communities in my host culture?Ìý
• How might my religious, spiritual, or secular identity interact with other parts of my identity in this context?Ìý
• Will I have access to places of worship, communities, foods, or resources I need to maintain my practices?Ìý
• If those resources are limited, how might I adapt to my practices while away?Ìý
• How are religious clothing, symbols, holidays, and other forms of expression perceived?Ìý
• What would I do, and whom would I contact, if I experienced religious bias, harassment, antisemitism, Islamophobia, or another form of discrimination?Ìý

Ìý

Living in another cultural context can bring moments of discovery, connection, discomfort, and growth. These strategies may help:Ìý

• Draw on the skills you already have. Think about how you have navigated differences in identity, belief, and belonging at Elon or elsewhere. Many of those skills can travel with you.Ìý
• Connect with local communities. Religious, spiritual, or secular communities may offer fellowship, resources, and insight into your host culture. Program staff can help you identify appropriate local resources.Ìý
• Stay connected to your support network. Reach out to the people and communities you identified before departure and remain open to building new networks while away.Ìý
• Set boundaries when you need them. Conversations about religion and belief can be meaningful, but they can also become tiring or uncomfortable. You can decide when, how, and how much you want to share; you are not responsible for educating others about your identity or beliefs.Ìý
• Ask for support. If you experience bias, discrimination, harassment, or another concern, contact your on-site program staff, the GEC, or a trusted Elon faculty or staff member. They can help you think through options and next steps.Ìý

You may find that you have had a different global engagement experience compared to cisgender or straight students. We would love to hear more about your experiences – both good and bad. Please share any concerns that have arisen on your program with the GEC – we welcome hearing feedback on how this journey can be more inclusive. We encourage students to complete their return evaluations within their MyElonGlobal portals. Students can meet one-on-one with their global engagement program manager.

• Consider becoming aÌýGlobal Ambassador.
• Consider applying for theÌý.ÌýThe National and International Fellowships OfficeÌýadvises students who are interested in this program.
• If you have ideas on programming that the GEC can do, please let us know! Connect with us here.

The GEC has several resources on how students can integrate their study abroad experience into their lives at Elon.

• Consider becoming a Global Ambassador
• Apply for the. The National and International Fellowships Office advises students who are interested in this program.
• Join in for International Coffee Hour at the GEC on Thursdays from 9:30 am -10:30 am to connect with students from all over the world!
• Explore opportunities to present and reflect on your experience such as at SURF Day or through courses like COR 4330: Coming Home – The Impact of Studying Abroad
• If you have ideas on programming that the GEC can do, please let us know! Contact Allegra Laing, Executive Director for Global Programming.