Hi all, I’m planning on studying abroad next semester. I have been looking at schools in Europe (London, the Netherlands) and Australia (Perth, Wollongong).
When I research these cities and their universities, I read a lot about the prevalence of racism. It worries me that I may spend upwards of $9k to travel to a hostile environment where I will feel unsafe. I’ve been trying to be somewhat spontaneous with my location, but I find it difficult because I have to consider the factor of daily racism.
How have other students of color picked a location to study abroad? Was it a good experience, or do you regret it? Should I stay at home and be content with the racism I’m familiar with?
Those locations should be safe although you can’t discount the occasional racist jerk (same as the US overall). Some destinations are unpleasant to unsafe (Hungary, Russia, Gulf countries…) depending on your ethnicity by major cities in he Netherlands, the UK, or Australia are no more racist than your typical us city - and since you’ll be identified as plain “American” rather than …- American you may experience less racism
(Carry your college ID with you btw).
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Thank you! I feel a lot more at ease now. (I’m African-American, by the way.)
Perth is a big country town and will feel like going back in time, and there will certainly be far less multiculturalism on display outside of white (like little England LOL) and Asian immigrants. You are unlikely to feel unsafe in Perth, but I wouldn't call it a study abroad experience. London is a huge multicultural city, warts and all. Where do you live now?
Thanks for the input! I really appreciate it; I’ve been leaning toward London. I live in New Orleans.
You‘ll be as safe on London as anyone. You will also be safe n the rest of Britain, though the farther from London you get, the whiter it will be, wth immigration concentrated in the South east and the midlands. Cities in Western Europe are generally fairly safe, though you may encounter racism anywhere. It will be different - more of an anti refugee bias, these days. Being obviously American may help. If travelling to Eastern Europe (generally east of Berlin/Prague/Vienna), make sure to travel in a group. Though that’s always a good idea as a young woman! Don’t let it put you off a great experience.
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