General Cultural Resources

Faith, Spirituality, and Religion Abroad

At AIFS Abroad, we support all participants in your study/intern abroad journey. We invite everyone to engage with the cultures around you while at home and abroad. Everyone is complex, and the uniqueness of who we are is important when deciding on a program and location. Exploring who you are and learning about the uniqueness of others is an important part of this journey. Thus, we invite you to take the time to learn about the cultures you embody and the cultures of others on your program as well as the cultures that are a part of your host country.

Everyone’s experience is unique. We recognize the location you choose can have an impact on your sense of community. We encourage you to use the information below as you review your options to select the program and location that will be the best choice for you.

Questions to Think About:

What are the dominant religions in your host country? How similar or different are they to your own beliefs?
Will you be a part of the majority or minority in your faith, spiritual, and/or religious practice?
Does religion heavily influence the government and legal system in your host country? What are the laws regarding faith, spirituality, and/or religion?
Is it safe to practice your religious or spiritual beliefs in your host country/culture? Can you wear religious clothing or other outward displays of your spiritual/religious beliefs?
Is your host country/culture accepting of other religions and spiritual practices?
Will you be able to practice your dietary habits in your host country? What provisions do you need to make or questions do you need to ask as you prepare for your program?
In what ways can you respect and learn from the other religious and spiritual practices that are present in your host country/culture?

Tips to Consider While Abroad:

Be mindful that the different cultural norms around faith, spirituality, and religion that you encounter abroad may be less inclusive than you may expect. More details on cultural norms will be provided in your pre-departure handbook and at the on-site orientation upon arrival.
Be mindful of culturally-appropriate clothing for different locations, including religious or sacred spaces, beaches, and in the classroom.
AIFS Abroad staff in-country are there to support you, so don’t be afraid to ask for help. They can provide insight into local cultural norms, connect you with resources in your host community and assist you if you experience challenges.
It is recommended that all participants follow “common sense” safety precautions as they would in the United States, are vigilant of their surroundings and make a conscious effort to travel in groups as often as possible.

If you witness or experience discrimination while abroad, we encourage you to report it to AIFS Abroad staff. If you do not feel comfortable reporting to staff on-site – or if the incident involves on-site staff – please email reporting@aifs.com.

Questions and tips include selections from the University of Alabama Capstone International, Diversity Abroad, and Michigan State University Office for Education Abroad websites.

BBC Guide to World Religions: Brief overview of religions around the world with links to additional resources.
Church Finder: Directory of international church listings.
Harvard University Pluralism Project – offers extensive information on world religions and focuses on the meaning of religious pluralism.
International Humanist and Ethical Union: IHEU is the world union of over a hundred Humanist, rationalist, secular, ethical culture, atheist and freethought organizations in more than 40 countries.
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.
Islamic Finder: Directory of prayer times, Islamic organizations, and mosques worldwide.
Islamic Finder: Identifies prayer times around the world
YTK: Resources for Jewish students going abroad, including information on how to keep Kosher.
Kosher Delight: Identifies synagogues and kosher restaurants around the world
Love Has No Labels (Religious Communities ): Resources to explore the ways to support and include those who belong to various religious faiths.
U.S. Department of State Religious Freedom Information: Information about international religious freedom and includes individual country chapters on the status of religious freedom worldwide.
World Buddhist Directory: Searchable directory of Buddhist centers around the world.
Zabihah: Directory of halal restaurants and stores worldwide.

AIFS Abroad Scholarships and Grants

AIFS Abroad offers scholarships and grants for participants. Learn more:

Scholarships & Grants