You may feel that you are the "other" because you are the only person or one of the few people with your identity(s). In context, "othering" occurs when a marginalized identity differs, and is often excluded, from that of the dominant culture. When speaking of othering in this context Jiaqi Zhou defines it in a helpful way. “Othering is a way of negating another person's individual humanity and, consequently, those that have been othered are seen as less worthy of dignity and respect. On an individual level, othering plays a role in the formation of prejudices against people and groups.” (Jiaqi Zhou, Very Well Mind)
If we let it, being othered can be a heavy burden to carry.
We aren’t new to this. I was one of the only in my graduate cohort both in the U.S and abroad. Instead of seeing it as a negative I was reminded that I/we come from a resilient community that continues to defy the odds that have been systemically stacked against me as a Black woman, by no fault of my own.
Can you relate?
If you can, here are three tips that can help you stand in your greatness and brilliance as you show up and take part in a study abroad program even when no one else shares your identities.
Celebrate your existence and your instincts in the program. You worked hard for this.
You put you out there. You are continually stepping outside of your comfort zone. You are strengthening your resilience, your cross-cultural skills, which you can continue to apply globally and within the United States. You are doing such amazing things and it is a testament to the courageous person that you are.
Our team at AIFS Abroad is here to serve as a resource and an encouragement. We are here to help you prepare for the transformative study abroad experience. As you prepare feel free to check out our AIDE (Access, Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity) resources and our Social Identity tabs on our site-specific pages. If you have questions or want to chat further, contact Kory Saunders, Director of Inclusion at AIFS Abroad.
Edited by: Adriana Smith, Regional Manager
Power Photo Credit: Karmran Chaudhry
First Photo Credit: Tionna McNeil Dublin Cliffs of Moher