Online Pre-Departure Module on Identity
Online Pre-Departure Module on Identity
The Online Pre-Departure Module on Identity is a tool for professionals and program leaders to use for group pre-departure programming or as a general resource to inform conversations with students around identity in pre-departure. Many resources focus on preparing for the outward journey. This resource focuses on the inward journey, and can be used to help students identify the strengths that come from all aspects of their identity. The resource provides information that explores how the following areas of identity may impact the education abroad experience: race/ethnicity, gender, sexuality, socio-economic class, ability and religion.
The topics included in this pre-departure learning resource allows professionals to help students delve deeper into aspects of their identity and prepare a plan for the challenges and opportunities that they will face in their chosen host environment. Each section includes discussion questions examining personal identity, identity abroad (e.g., exploring how one’s identity might be perceived abroad), and planning ahead (resources for further study and people to speak with about these topics).
This online resource offers guided readings, videos, student testimonials, questions to consider, and next steps that can be incorporated into pre-departure orientations. Education abroad offices are encouraged to reference this resource when preparing students who are planning to go abroad.