Talking Religion: Religious Diversity in Study Abroad Advising

Students studying at US institutions of higher education come from a broad range of religious and non-religious traditions. Yet religion is often a "no go" topic of discussion within the American cultural context and educators frequently lack the training to engage in productive conversations about this aspect of students' identities. However, study abroad practitioners should not be reluctant to talk about religion as an important lens for cultural learning within the context of study abroad. Through careful advising and recognition of the cultural importance of faith, students from a spectrum of religious leanings can enhance their study abroad experience. This essay looks at tactics which can be used in advising three categories of undergraduate students: religious students leaving a location where their faith is in the majority and going to a place where their religion is in the minority; religious students whose faith tradition is in the majority in the place they wish to study abroad; and non-religious students who find themselves in a strongly religious community. For each of these identity groups, study abroad advisors can support students during all stages of their study abroad experience (pre, on-site and post) so students view their interaction with religion as an important portal to cultural learning in-country. A bibliography is included.