Defining diversity is not succinct. The vocabulary and the context in which it is used are often contested. The UIC Study Abroad Office is proud to support one of the most diverse student populations that embark on overseas educational opportunities. We are dedicated to supporting students from diverse backgrounds including, but not limited to, categories of race/ethnicity, socio-economic background (e.g. financial need, first generation), physical ability, sexual orientation, and gender identity. The idea and definition of being a minority shifts and is interchangeable with the country in which you may find yourself. Your self perception may also change based on how your host culture views you.
Following is an alphabetical list of resources for students, parents, and advisors which can be used as a starting point for information. This is not an exhaustive list but will begin to hopefully place some of these topics into the study abroad environment. If you have any questions or would like to speak with an SAO advisor about diversity issues, please contact either Krystal McPherson kmcphe1@uic.edu or Brad Elwood belwood@uic.edu .
Amnesty International USA
http://www.amnestyusa.org/our-priorities/lgbt-human rights/page.do?id=1011002&n1=3&n2=36
Information regarding country specific GLBT legal issues.
Anti-Americanism Abroad
http://www.nafsa.org/_/File/_/InternationalEducator/OpportunityJanFeb05.pdf
This article, Opportunity, Not Threat: Dealing With Anti-Americanism Abroad argues that “Although a strengthening anti-Americanism in many parts of the world does require appropriate risk assessment, it should present invaluable teachable moments for education abroad programs.”
Brown University Diversity Handbook
Diversity Issues in Study Abroad (pdf)
“A collection of quotes by Brown University students about their experiences abroad. The quotes were gathered through a survey that directly addressed issues of diversity including ethnicity, heritage, sexual orientation, religion, minority/majority issues, physical appearance, and language.”
Center for Global Education Scholarships
Scholarships for Students from Historically Underrepresented Groups
The Center offers scholarships for students who belong to historically underrepresented groups. Selection is based partly on the applicants' ability to articulate their reasons for enrolling in a CGE program and how they will share the experience upon return to the U.S. and partly on financial need. Awards range from $500 to $3000. Deadline for Spring programs is November 1st.
Heritage Scholarships
These scholarships are for applicants of CGE programs in Namibia (Southern Africa) or Mexico. Eligible students will be either 1) of Pan African descent who are committed to understanding the effect of racism/apartheid and resistance movements in the U.S. and in Southern Africa, or 2) students of Hispanic/Latino descent who have demonstrated participation in Latino or indigenous organizations in their community. Awards cover tuition, room, and board charges not funded by the Pell grant. Deadline for spring programs is November 1st.
DiversityAbroad.com
http://www.diversityabroad.com/study_abroad_minority_students/testimonial.php
Read testimonials about their study abroad experience written by a diverse group of students who studied in the UK, Germany, Mexico, Rome, Argentina, China, Spain, and Italy.
Gilman International Scholarship
Available only to Pell Grant recipients, the Gilman Scholarship aims to diversify and expand participation in international study by awarding grants of up to $8,000 to undergraduates who have been traditionally underrepresented in education abroad. Deadline for Spring 2009: October 7, 2008. For a list of recent UIC awardees, click here.
Glimpse Study Abroad Acclimation Guides
Two examples for diversity issues are: Race Abroad (pdf) and Gender Roles Abroad (pdf)
“All Glimpse PDF guides are based on extensive survey responses from hundreds of returned study abroad students across the country. The guides are chock-full of advice, anecdotes and statistical data pertaining to the theme at hand, including practical tips about effective measures that students can take before, during and after their abroad experience.”
Mobility International USA
http://www.miusa.org/
Empowering people with disabilities around the world to achieve their human rights through international exchange and international development.
NAFSA: Association of International Educators Rainbow Special Interest Group
http://www.indiana.edu/~overseas/lesbigay/index.html
NAFSA has compiled a list of resources that focus on the benefits and challenges of GLBT study abroad students. This site contains information bibliographies, websites, and organizations.
Supporting Diversity in Study Abroad
http://allabroad.us/top_ten_reason.php
At this site, students, advisors and parents will find information useful in promoting study abroad participation among underrepresented students, addressing some of the issues and challenges ethnicity may play in their study abroad experience. Among other resources, the site offers a “ten best reasons to study abroad” list for African-Americans, for Asian Americans, for Hispanic Americans, and for Native Americans.
UIC Office of Access and Equity
http://www.uic.edu/depts/oae/DiversityLinks.html
A university website dedicated to topics and resources about diversity.
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