Managing Curiosity & Attention from Others

While abroad, you may find that people in your host country may express their curiosity about you and your background more openly than you’re used to. Lack of familiarity with your background may manifest in both overt and subtle displays of prejudice and intolerance. Try to remember that these actions may stem more from a lack of experience with people of diverse backgrounds and identities than from malice or ill will.

With that said, encountering increased attention, insensitivity, or outright discriminatory language and behavior in the host community can be disconcerting and disappointing. It can be frustrating to be told that such attitudes and behaviors are generally regarded as “acceptable” because they are “just part of the culture” or “we just don’t meet people like you very often”.