Students of color at UMD discuss worries about studying abroad

"Students of color express concerns about racism in deciding where to study abroad" (Vlada Karpovich/Pexels)

Students of color at the University of Maryland expressed their concerns about studying abroad in European countries, matching trends of minorities sharing their encounters with racism and discrimination on social media.

Tiktok user “thisisnotchristy,” posted a video on May 29 titled “Study Abroad as a Black girl in France,” giving tips to prospective study abroad students considering taking a semester in the country.

In her video, she talked about elements of French culture such as fashion and cuisine and the importance of learning the etiquette and mannerisms of the country you plan to travel to.

“Something that has been an extreme shock to me is you will not find all the drinks and sodas you will find in the United States,” she said. “A lot of chemicals that we use in the United States is banned in France specifically and other countries in Europe, so different snacks, different drinks. It’s completely different.”

Later in her video, she said that colorism is prevalent and as a result, she experienced difficulty getting into places. 

TikTok user “morecuriousthangeorge” shared a similar message. She posted a video in February captioned, “studying abroad in Europe is amazing and all but as a POC woman, no one told me how deep the racism runs here.”

A few undergraduate students at this university shared their reservations about studying abroad. They spoke to the difference in the college experience of students who don’t have to consider discrimination in foreign countries, and those required to factor racism into their decision when traveling abroad. 

Sophomore computer science major Ryan McBride expressed concerns about the cost of living abroad and language barriers. 

“It’s just the lack of being able to see the world,” McBride said. 

She added that minority students who cannot afford to travel likely will not have other opportunities.

McBride— who identifies as African American— said over the past year she’s heard about discrimination in Italy toward people who look like tourists and doesn’t want to feel like one while abroad, but the possibility of facing discrimination should not deter students from going. It should be a caution.

McBride said that the university should consider educating students about the risks of going abroad and include safety training. 

“I think UMD should try to have people there in place to protect students even if there is discrimination,” the sophomore said. “There’s no way to avoid it, but I think there's a lot we can do to prepare students for that type of experience.”

Sophomore neuroscience major Cherub Seifu said he would like to study abroad in Africa.

Seifu, an Ethiopian-American student, said the cost is a concern for him and that discrimination in European countries differs slightly from that in the United States, depending on the population.

“The stigmas would probably be the same, but worse because you show out a lot more,” Seifu said. 

Julius Angelo, a sophomore computer science major, traveled to France with his family in 2012 and described an incident at a restaurant where a waiter spilled a drink on his father. 

“I feel like everyone was kind of looking at us. A waiter brought my dad coke, but spilled it on him on accident…all the other patrons were just kind of whispering and looking at us,” Angelo said. “It was a very awkward, strange environment.”

Angelo, a Sri Lankan American student, spoke about people who do not have to consider facing discrimination abroad. 

“I feel like its easy enough to just go about your day and not have to acknowledge the difference in perspectives you have to take into account.”

Angelo said that being aware of your surroundings and having a decent grasp of the language will not help with racism, but is still good advice for traveling. He said programs should teach students about what they may experience wherever they study abroad. 

“It’s an important asterisk that you need to put next to wherever you're studying abroad. That this is something that can happen. It’s definitely important to let them know,” Angelo said.