Students of Diverse Identities

The UNC Study Abroad Office is dedicated to the broader Carolina belief that diversity should be celebrated.

By fostering collaborative relationships with UNC campus partners and international institutions, we seek to explore new ways to create and maintain inclusive study abroad opportunities for students of diverse and underrepresented identities. We also aspire to create inclusive programming that prepares students for the growth and challenges they may experience while studying abroad. Entering new cultural environments, students may find that questions regarding their own personal identify and background become commonplace:

While studying abroad, will I be part of the ethnic majority or minority?
Is the host culture supportive of my sexual orientation?
What is the dominant religious practice in that host country and will I be able to practice my own religion while abroad?

When choosing a study abroad program, it is important that students investigate the attitudes and perceptions of the host culture as these can differ from country to country. We encourage you to review the Embark Carolina Global Guide before, during, and after you return from studying abroad.

Specific identity-based resources

Accessibility
Ethnicity and Race
Gender Identity and Sexuality
Immigration Status
Religion and Spirituality
Student Parents
Student-Athletes
Veterans and Student Service Members

Diversity Abroad Member Institution

Diversity Abroad’s mission is to ensure that students from diverse economic, educational, ethnic and social backgrounds are aware, have equal access and take advantage of the benefits and opportunities afforded through global education exchanges. Review the Diversity and Inclusion Abroad Guide for more information.

Resources for Specific Student Groups

Did you know?

Good news! In most cases, your Carolina Covenant funding travels with you for fall and spring semester study abroad programs!

If the program costs more than being here in Chapel Hill, additional loan funding will be offered to you. Explore Study Abroad Office Scholarships and other funding sources too! If the program costs less than being here in Chapel Hill, your Carolina Covenant funding may be reduced to match reduced costs. The Office of Scholarships and Student Aid tries to preserve as much grant and scholarship funding as possible.

Things to Consider with Your Covenant

Use the resources on this website to learn about study abroad and explore program options.
Attend a Study Abroad event to learn more!
When searching programs, compare the total estimated cost of a program on the budget sheet with your Covenant award amount.
If the program cost is more than your award amount, you can apply for additional loan funding through OSSA. Explore Study Abroad Office Scholarships and other funding sources too! As a student with financial need, you would be eligible for many funding opportunities!
If you were awarded work study as part of your aid package, you will be eligible for additional grant funding to help replace your work-study award.

Questions about Covenant and Study Abroad?

Contact [email protected] or call 919-962-8396.

Study Abroad has the potential to hugely impact your time at Carolina. The Study Abroad Office is available to help meet your goals in expanding your campus beyond Chapel Hill.

Resources Available

Study Abroad 101 Info Sessions
Special events, such as Funding 101 and Covenant Scholars’ Info Sessions
1-on-1 appointments with a Study Abroad Advisor for specific questions and concerns
Credit transfer information to make the most out of your academic experience
Peer-to-peer advising from students who have already studied abroad
Heels Abroad Handbook materials
Pre-Departure Conference sessions on budgeting and cultural adjustment
Diversity Abroad information – First Generation Students
Plus all of the information included on this website!

For more resources available to you on campus, visit the Carolina Firsts website.

Article: “Why first gens thrive abroad” from our partner IFSA.

Students from institutions other than UNC-Chapel Hill are welcome to apply for select programs. Non-UNC students are required to pay the Study Abroad Admin Fee, as well as any costs specific to non-UNC students as outlined on the program budget sheet.

To Find Available Programs

Use the Advanced Program Search tool
Under Parameters, find the Open to Non-UNC Students field
Select the appropriate criteria
Customize your search further, if desired
Click Search
Review the results!

To Apply

Contact your campus’s study abroad office and fulfill any requirements of your home institution!
Register online at studyabroad.unc.edu.
Follow the steps to apply online!

Important Notes

Follow all deadlines set by your home institution, as well as UNC Study Abroad. Timelines may differ!
You may be required to submit additional application materials, which will be listed on your application page.
Contact your home institution study abroad advisor and/or the UNC Study Abroad Advisor with any questions.

Click here for more detailed info on Students with Accessibility Needs or Health Concerns

Transfer students often study abroad as part of their Carolina experience.

Eligibility

Transfer students may study abroad after their first semester at UNC
The Study Abroad Office will accept and review prior institution transcripts, in addition to a UNC transcript, when determining a transfer student’s eligibility for a program

Programs available

Carolina offers a variety of program types, many of which would be a good fit for transfer students and allow you to satisfy degree requirements
Faculty-led programs are one great option, as most offer UNC graded credit
Many other types of study abroad programs offer transfer credit, so if these are of interest to you, just check to make sure you meet all in-residence requirements for your degree

Contact a Study Abroad Advisor for more information and to discuss your eligibility and programs that would be a good fit for you.

Diverse Students