The Office of International Programs at Princeton University believes that education and experiential learning abroad are vital components of the undergraduate experience. We are committed to providing all students with access to high quality opportunities to enrich and expand their Princeton education. The resources on this page are designed to help students navigate their international experience, regardless of background or identity.
Browse the links below to access information and support services available on- and off-campus that may guide you as you consider a fellowship, or prepare to go abroad. OIP advisers are available to support students with questions or concerns about traveling abroad, and we can guide you to additional resources.
Disabilities & Accessibility
It is important for students to know that each country, city, or host institution may have different laws, practices, and attitudes about disabilities, both visible and invisible. Available resources, as well as levels of accessibility can also vary greatly by location. It is highly recommended that you begin planning for necessary accommodations early. Staff within the Office of Disability Services, as well as in the Office of International Programs, can speak with you about any concerns you may have and can put you in touch with returned students.
First-generation students
As a first-generation college student, you may also be the first person in your family to pursue a fellowship or contemplate an experience abroad. As you consider your options, it may be helpful to speak to staff, faculty, and other first-generation Princeton students who have also been abroad or engaged in the fellowships application process. Our staff in the Office of International Programs are available to answer any questions you may have while navigating this experience and can connect you to other resources on campus, which you may also wish to share with your family.
Health & Safety Abroad
Whether you are going abroad for the first time or already consider yourself a seasoned traveler, we want to make sure that you are well prepared for the experience. Your health and safety abroad is our top priority. All students preparing to travel abroad will be required to attend mandatory pre-departure orientations and will receive important health and safety information prior to leaving campus. You should feel free to reach out to your adviser in OIP if you have any questions or concerns about health and safety abroad.
LGBTQIA+
You may already identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer, or you may still be exploring your identity. As you consider going abroad, you will find that the social climate, laws, and norms for personal interactions in other cultures are often different from those in the United States or your home country. You may wish to talk to other LGBTQIA+ students who have been to your host country and research the general laws and attitudes of your host country.
- Gender + Sexuality Resource Center at Princeton
- Diversity Abroad – LGBTQ+ Abroad
- U.S. State Department LGBT Travel Information
- Equaldex - LGBT Rights by Country & Travel Guide
- NAFSA Association of International Educators Rainbow Special Interest Group Resource Center
- Medium - Your Guide to Inclusive Language Around the World
Race and Ethnicity
Perceptions of race, ethnicity, and nationality vary widely throughout the world. No two people traveling abroad ever have the same experience, even in the same program and country. You may be part of a racial or ethnic minority or majority for the first time. Try not to let the possibility of discrimination prevent you from experiencing the many benefits of travel abroad. Talking with students, faculty, and staff on campus who have spent time abroad can be helpful in terms of establishing what the context will be like abroad and how to prepare for it.
Student Athletes
Student athletes at Princeton can and do go abroad. Depending on your sport and training schedule, it may be feasible for you to study abroad during the academic year. Summer study abroad and international internships are also very popular options for student athletes. As timing is critical, it is important to plan early. It may be helpful to talk with other student-athletes who have studied, volunteered, or interned abroad for advice. Coaches can also be very helpful in arranging for training facilities abroad, depending on your sport and available amenities in your host country. Dean Alec Dun, as well as your residential college dean or director of studies, will also be a crucial academic resource for student athletes.
Students with DACA Status
Princeton University remains committed to supporting our Undocumented and DACA students. At this time, DACA students should not consider traveling abroad, since the ability to reenter the United States is considered too uncertain. USCIS states on its website that they will not accept any new Advanced Parole (Form I-131) travel authorization applications and all pending advanced parole applications will be closed without approval. As a DACA student, however, you still have options to pursue domestic fellowships, including the P.D. Soros. Please feel free to reach out to the Fellowship Advising team in the Office of International Programs for more information.
Women
When you travel abroad, you may encounter gender roles and norms that are different from what you are used to here at Princeton and in the United States. You may be treated differently or be expected to treat others differently based on these roles and norms. Before traveling, it may be helpful to research societal perceptions of gender, behavioral expectations, and customs for dating and relationships in your host culture and take time to consider issues that you may face while abroad. You may also want to connect with other women who have been to your host country if you have specific questions or concerns.