Diversity & Inclusion

There are many resources available such as Diversity Abroad and NAFSA that link students to stories and tips from those who have studied abroad before them. Additional resources can be found below.

First Generation Students

Diversity Abroad's First Generation Students page has great information on things first gen students should be prepared for and steps you can take.

As a specific example from Barcelona SAE, here are some things to consider before heading to Barcelona:

  • Do your research. Do as much research as possible. The Spain Destination Guide and various Expert Guides are a great resource where you can start learning about opportunities, best practices, and better understand what your experience abroad may be like.
  • Find support. Making the decision to go abroad, especially if no one you know before you has done it, can be daunting. Your family and friends may not understand your motivations, or may even think it’s a “vacation.” It’s important to find people in your life who support your decision to go abroad.

Attitudes and views towards women can vary greatly between countries. We encourage you to do research on countries you are interested in studying abroad. The following is a list of resources to assist you in your research and preparation:

"Cultures support, constrain, value or devalue public expressions of our sexual and gender identities variously, according to social norms, traditions, and values. That is to say, there is not global agreement about how much or how little sexual orientations matter - no universal standards for how freely one can express non-heteronormative identities in public, and no agreement across cultures about the human rights associated with sexual life."

- Davidson College

Davidson College's LGBTQ page is a great resource for LGBTQ students looking to study abroad. It includes general information as well as student testimonials.

UC Davis is currently creating an interactive map as a resource for LGBTQ students. While they have started with 20 countries, more will be updated in the future.

Additional Information:

As referenced by Barcelona SAE, here are some things to check about your host country:

  • What are the social attitudes towards being LGBTQ+ in my host country?
  • Are there resources for LGBTQ+ students in my host country or at my place of study?
  • Are there any LGBTQ+ groups or LGBTQ+ friendly establishments in my area?
  • Are sexual orientation and gender identity openly discussed and accepted, or more taboo in my host country?
  • Will I be staying with a host family or roommates who will be accepting of me if I choose to come out?
  • Are there safety and legal issues for LGBTQ+ individuals in this area?

The UND Pride Center is another great resource available for students.

"Religion plays a role in many cultures around the world. When you go abroad, you may be exposed to different belief systems, which gives you an opportunity to learn more about your host country’s culture."

- Diversity Abroad

Diversity Abroad's Religious Diversity Abroad page has great information and resources to research religious freedoms and views abroad.

The International Religious Freedom Report describes the status of religious freedom in every country.

As referenced by Barcelona SAE, here are some things to check about your host country:

  • What is the dominant religion in my host country?
  • Will I be part of the religious majority or minority abroad?
  • Are there any laws regarding religion? Is there a separation between religion and government?
  • How tolerant is the host country of other religions? What about atheists and agnostics?
  • Is it safe for me to wear religious symbols or clothing?
  • What are ways I can respect the religion in my host country and participate in cultural events, even if I don’t practice that religion?

Students of color have been historically underrepresented when it comes to studying abroad. However, the numbers of underrepresented students continue to rise. The following is a list of resources to assist you in your preparations for going abroad:

As referenced by Barcelona SAE, as a racially and/or ethnically diverse student, here are some questions to consider:

  • How is my ethnic group perceived in my host country? What kind of stereotypes are there?
  • How should I react if I find something to be offensive?
  • Is the person curious or do they have bad intentions?
  • Has my host family housed minority students before? If not, will this be an issue for them?
  • Am I used to being part of the majority at home but will be a minority abroad? Or vice versa?
  • Will there be other minority students in my program?
  • Who will I contact if I do face racial or discriminatory incidents?
  • Does my program have support staff that will understand and help me through any racial or discriminatory incident I may face?

"The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Amendments of 2008, section 4, defines disability as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities of an individual. In addition to defining it, this legislation also ensures that people with disabilities can equally embark on their educational and professional endeavors. Whether you have a physical, learning, or emotional disability, the Study Abroad Office is very supportive of your desire to participate in an overseas program. Below are some factors for you to consider as you explore your options."

-Davidson College

Davidson College's Students with Disabilities page provides great information regarding choosing a program, disclosure and communication, and cultural differences and flexibility.

The following are additional organizations and websites that provide information and resources to students with disabilities looking at going abroad.

As referenced by Barcelona SAE, here are some tips for students with disabilities going abroad:

  • Disclose your needs to your Barcelona SAE Advisor. This way, we can make reasonable arrangements and accommodations on your behalf.
  • Be flexible, although this is true for all study abroad students. Keep in mind that other cultures may provide access in different ways. We recommend you learn about what types of accommodation are typically provided in your host country, and be flexible and open to different ways of accommodating your disability.
  • Learn as much as you can about your host culture and how disability is viewed. Do some research online, talk with other students, and attend all pre-departure sessions to learn how disabilities are viewed in your host culture. The more you know, the better prepared you will be for the interaction between your disability and the new environment.
  • Be prepared to be asked questions about your disability.  While Barcelona is an international city where many languages are spoken,you going to a non-English speaking destination, so look up key vocabulary in Spanish ahead of time and think about your responses in advance.
  • Keep in mind financial considerations. We will make every effort ensure that students with disabilities have access to all Barcelona SAE services, including academic support, housing, orientation programs, and cultural activities and excursions. In some situations, additional expenses may be incurred and passed along to the student.

Opportunities to study abroad are available to students starting or continuing their education after serving in the military. Here are some resources to keep in mind as you explore your options:

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