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Diversity & Identity Abroad

Umbrellas an Flags 2019 Laura Vogel Israel, Tel Aviv

Diversity & Identity Abroad 

The Education Abroad Office is committed to celebrate and support the many identities of our students with access to high impact education abroad opportunities that enrich and expand their undergraduate education. It is vital to our mission to increase access to students are traditionally underrepresented in study abroad and support students from diverse backgrounds and identities.  The resources on this page encourage you to reflect on some of the different aspects that make up our identities, learn about host country norms that may impact your experience, and access tools to engage critically with your own identity development.

Intersectionality 
Identities regularly intersect, overlap and impact how you are treated by others. Thinking about these intersections can be helpful as students often go abroad with multiple identities, personal stories and histories.
  • What Is Intersectionality Abroad?
    • IES Abroad-The Oxford Dictionary defines the concept of intersectionality as "The interconnected nature of social categorizations such as race, class, and gender as they apply to a given individual or group, regarded as creating overlapping and interdependent systems of discrimination or disadvantage."
      Consider all of the different aspects of your identity and imagine them as streets—simply put, intersectionality is the place where all of your identities meet. What are your identities? Take into account nationality, ethnicity, sexuality, gender, religious affiliation, etc.
  • For more watch:
Privilege & Allyship 
Allyship and privilege are connected at home and abroad. Recognizing your privilege empowers you to be an ally by advocating for greater justice, tolerance, and inclusion for peers who may feel marginalized in particular situations.
 

Explore the resources provided below. These resources will help you as you consider and prepare for your study abroad program, regardless of background or identity. Education Abroad recognizes that these resources do not exemplify every identify, if you have questions or would like further information related to an aspect of your identity that is not included below, please reach out to our Access & Inclusion Coordinator.
       
Resource Pages:
Learn about opportunities for DACA students to have an experience that promotes academic, professional, and personal growth while at CU Boulder.
Gender expression, gender identity and sexual orientation can be cultural. It is important to consider the local customs, rules, and regulations in your host country and how these may affect your social interactions while abroad.
 Cultures and countries vary widely in terms of how race and ethnic identities are defined and understood.
 
Study abroad is possible, regardless of a student’s physical, mental, emotional, or learning disabilities.
Identity Abroad
 Spirituality and religion play an important role in many student’s lives, and in the lives of the host community members.
 
Woment and Gender Identity
First Generation Students
Student Athletes
   


If you are interested in further country or regionally specific information, explore the Diversity Abroad's Country Guides and CIEE City Specific Resources for diversity & inclusion climate notes on many of the countries where we have programs.

Do your parents/ families have concerns about you studying abroad? Have them contact our office to speak to a Program Manager, they can provider further information, dispel concerns, and help them to navigate this process with you. 

Education Abroad places a high priority on serving a diverse student body. We welcome applications from members of various groups which have traditionally been under-represented in education abroad, including first generation college students, LGBTQ+ students, student athletes, students with disabilities, students of color, and older students who have followed non-traditional paths to higher education.