• Talking to Your Family about Study Abroad (PDF): For a lot of students, an important step in the study abroad process is letting your family know you want to go abroad. You can use this guide to starting the conversation with your family members and give them more details about AIFS. Remember, this talk might have to happen a few times to convince them, but it’s well worth the effort.
• Country Specific Information (CSI) sheets
• Traveler's Checklist
• Studying Abroad
• US State Department Go Guides
• All Abroad: Helping students from diverse backgrounds find study abroad resources and obtain advice from study abroad mentors (some content in Spanish).
• Cultural Etiquette: Information on countries around the world, including customs, dining ettiquette and body language.

• Diversity Abroad: Provides information on international destinations, including funding opportunities, for diverse and underrepresented students
• PLATO: A compilation of organizations, resources, and scholarships that support academic advancement for underrepresented groups who study abroad 
• Ron Brown Scholarship: RBSP competitively awards Ron Brown Scholars four-year $40,000 scholarships ($10,000 each year) to the most talented and economically-challenged high school seniors who demonstrate a keen interest in public service, community engagement, business entrepreneurship and global citizenship
• Jackie Robinson Scholarship: “JRF Scholars” receive grants of up to $30,000 over four years to complement the financial aid they receive from their colleges or universities.
• Thurgood Marshall College Fund Scholarships: Information on several types of scholarships available for students who attend one of the 47 TMCF member-schools. 
• United Negro College Fund: The UNCF manages various scholarship programs and each program has its own eligibility criteria, open/close dates and required documentation. To apply for a UNCF scholarship, you must apply through the on-line application process.
• National Association for the Advancement of Colored People: The NAACP offers nmumerous scholraships, each with their own eligibility criteria. Visit their site for more details on the funding opportunities available.
• Hispanic Scholarship Fund: HSF empowers families with the knowledge and resources to successfully complete a higher education, while providing scholarships and support services to as many exceptional students as possible.
• Travel Noire: Cultivated insights from a global community of black travelers.
• Minority Rights Group International: Contains information on history and minority populations around the world
• Meaningful Travel Tips and Tales: African American Perspectives: Guide from GoAbroad with tips and scholarship information for black students interested in studying abroad.

• Diversity Abroad: Tips and must ask questions about religion for study abroad students
• BBC Guide to World Religions: Brief overview of religions around the world with links to additional resources.
• International Religious Freedom Report: The Department of State’s annual report to congress on international religious freedom, describes the status of religious freedom in every country.
• KAHAL: Resources for Jewish students going abroad, including information on how to keep Kosher.

• Diversity Abroad Guide for Women Abroad: Offers tips and must ask questions
• Journeywoman Online: Information for women travelers from women travelers; there is also a free email newsletter you can subscribe to from this site
• State Department’s Information for Women Travelers: Includes health and safety information 
• Transitions Abroad: Women Travel: Tips and resources for female students going abroad
• Her Own Way:  A woman's safe-travel guide published by Global Affairs Canada.

• If you have a disability and need accommodations to be made during your time abroad, we ask that you please download and complete the appropriate form(s) below and return them to the Admissions Officer for your intended AIFS study abroad program.
• Although AIFS is committed to supporting all students in their study abroad journey, we cannot guarantee that it will be possible to honor all accommodation requests. AIFS staff will review all requests, consult with onsite staff and host institutions and communicate with you throughout this process.
• Individuals with Autism or Individuals on the Autism Spectrum (PDF)
• Individuals Who Are Blind or Have Low Vision (PDF)
• Individuals Who Have a Systematic or Chronic Health Condition (PDF)
• Individuals who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing (PDF)
• Individuals with Learning Disabilities or ADHD (PDF)
• Individuals with Mental Health Disabilities (PDF)
• Individuals with Physical Disabilities (PDF)

• Resources

• National Clearinghouse on Disability and Exchange/Mobility International: Offers free services and helpful resources for planning your education abroad experience
• Diversity Abroad: Information to assist students with disabilities with their study abroad plans
• Scholarships for Students with Disabilities: A comprehensive listing of scholarship options for students with disabilities that range from national financial aid opportunities to local opportunities within the United States.
• AHEAD (Association on Higher Education and Disability): AHEAD is the premiere professional association committed to full participation of persons with disabilities in postsecondary education.
• The Global Access Files: Resources for students, parents and professionals on going abroad with a disability.
• Nine Mistakes I Made While Studying Abroad: Blog written by Elizabeth Standaert from Global Access Files on going abroad as a student with a disability.

• GoAbroad.com LGBT Student Guide: Resouces and scholarship information for LGBTQ students as well as recommended study abroad destinations
• National Center for Transgender Equality: Information on navigating airport security for transgendered individuals
• Amnesty International: Amnesty International is a global movement of millions of people demanding human rights for all people – no matter who they are or where they are. They are the world’s largest grassroots human rights organization.
• Identities Abroad: Hosted by the Colleges of the Fenway, the site features videos, resources and frequently asked questions for LGBTQ+ students planning to go abroad.
• International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA): ILGA’s aim is to work for the equality of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex people and their liberation from all forms of discrimination.
• US Passport &Travel Office Info on Gender Designation Change: Detailed information and frequently asked questions for those undergoing a gender designation change.
• International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA) Sexual Orientation Laws Map: A unique set of maps to separately chart where criminalisation, protection and recognition laws are enacted for LGBT persons.
• GLAAD: Tips that can be used as you move toward becoming a better ally to transgender people.
• Human Rights Campaign: A welcoming guide for supporters to build bridges of understanding when someone they know comes out to them as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer. The guide answers initial questions and shares facts, strategies, and ways to show your support as an ally in the fight for LGBTQ equality.
• Fund for Education Abroad Scholarships: Funding for LGBTQ+ students and other under-represented populations abroad
• Indiana University Rainbow SIG Bibliography: Bibliography about the GLBT community from an international perspective
• 9 Major Life Lessons I Learned Studying Abroad as an LGBT Student: Blog written by Robin Goralka on going abroad as a member of the LGBTQ+ community
• 10 Reasons Why LGBTQ Students Should Study Abroad: Blog written by Carleton College student Dominic Vendell on why LGBTQ students should study abroad.

• Diversity Abroad: Tips for students as they start their study abroad process
• I’m First: An online community for first-generation college students—and their supporters. Hear inspiring stories and share your own, discover colleges that care about first-gen students, find answers to your questions about college, and receive guidance on the road to and through college.

• One of the biggest perceived barriers to studying abroad is funding. Below are some great resources to help invest in your education abroad experience.
• AIFS Scholarships: Each year, more than $800,000 in scholarships, grants and financial support is awarded to deserving students & institutions. Funds are available for both summer and semester programs. The scholarships listed are not available to students on AIFS customized faculty-led programs. If you are participating in a program through your school, check with the study abroad director for details of any special AIFS scholarships that may be available.
• Boren Scholarships: An initiative of the National Security Education Program, provide unique funding opportunities for U.S. undergraduate students to study less commonly taught languages in world regions critical to U.S. interests, and underrepresented in study abroad, including Africa, Asia, Central and Eastern Europe, Eurasia, Latin America, and the Middle East. The countries of Western Europe, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand are excluded.
• Critical Language Scholarship: Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, the CLS is an intensive overseas language and cultural immersion program for American undergraduate and graduate students.
• Diversity Abroad Scholarships: Directory of scholarships and programs, with a focus on resources for minority, low income and first generation college students.
• Fund for Education Abroad Scholarships: Grants scholarships up to $10,000. Applicants from groups underrepresented in study abroad and those destined for non-traditional locations are given preference, in an effort to make the demographics of U.S. undergraduates studying abroad reflect the rich diversity of the U.S. population.
• Gates Millennium Scholars Program: The goal of GMS is to promote academic excellence and to provide an opportunity for thousands of outstanding Pell Grant eligible students of color to reach their fullest potential.
• Generation Study Abroad Scholarships: A five-year initiative of the Institute of International Education (IIE) to mobilize resources and commitments with the goal of doubling the number of U.S. students studying abroad by the end of the decade.
• Gilman Scholarship: Aims to diversify the kinds of students who study and intern abroad and the countries and regions where they go by offering awards to U.S. undergraduates who might otherwise not participate due to financial constraints.
• GoAbroad.com Scholarships: A directory of program options and scholarships 
• Hispanic Scholarship Fund: Resources on funding for Hispanic students
• StudyAbroad.com Scholarships: A directory of program options and scholarships
• In addition to loans and scholarships, there are several ways for students to fund their time abroad. Below is a list of some basic activities to get started.

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