Diversity & Inclusion
Northeastern University serves a diverse student population, and promotes inclusive practices both on campus, and abroad. This section contains important information and resources for ability, identity, and religion to help students make the most of their time abroad.
Read blogs from IES' IDEA Correspondents! IDEA Correspondents are students of diverse background, in regards to race, ethnicity, sexual orientation/identity, gender identity/expression, non-traditional major, physical/mental health/learning ability, socio-economic status, and/or as first-generation in their family to attend college, who share how their identities intersect with their study abroad experience.
Disability in any form will not prevent you from going abroad, Northeastern University and our partner institutions may be able to provide assistance and accommodations during your time abroad. If you have a physical, mental, or learning disability, and you would like information regarding similar services provided overseas, you should contact the Disability Resource Center (DRC) and GEO. The DRC can write an official letter explaining special needs to the host school. Please contact the individuals listed below for more information.
Resources
- Mobility International A non-profit organization advocating for the disabled and helping students with disabilities realize their study abroad goals.
- National Clearinghouse on Disability and Exchange Offers free services and helpful resources for planning your education abroad experience.
- Pre-Departure Recommendations for Disabled Students Abroad Information to assist students from all backgrounds with their study abroad plans.
- University of Minnesota’s “Access Abroad” Offers helpful information and tips regarding accessibility overseas.
- U.S. State Department Provides country reports including information regarding disability policies in your prospective host country.
It is important to research your host country before arriving in order to ensure a positive experience during your time abroad. For LGBTQA students, this involves having an understanding of your host country’s laws and attitudes regarding sexual identity. For this reason, it is essential for you to determine how comfortable you would feel adjusting your behaviors to suit the cultural norms. In order to be properly informed, make sure to explore LGBTQA internet resources and travel guides, such as the ones below.
Some questions to ask yourself before going abroad might be:
- How open will I be about my sexual orientation and gender identity with my teachers, peers, friends, host family and others?
- What resources are available in my host country for those who identify as LGBTQA?
- Are there any LBGTQA-friendly establishments nearby? How can I find them?
- What are my safety needs and perceptions, and how can they best be met?
- Will I need access to any medications, supplies, or services due to my transgender status? Are they available in my host country?
Resources
- GoOverseas.com “9 Major Life Lessons I learned Studying Abroad as an LGBTQ+” A first-hand account from a recent study abroad student.
- IGLTA, the International Gay/Lesbian Travel Association Assists with finding LGBTQA owned and welcoming travel-related businesses in over 75 countries.
- LGBT Rights Around the World an interactive map from TheGuardian.com of the legal rights of people in the LGBTQA community.
- International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission Includes LGBTQ+ information by country.
- The International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association Provides comprehensive data on LGBTQA laws around the world.
- Michigan State University’s “Who Can Study Abroad” Michigan State University’s guide and resources for race and ethnicity, sex and gender, and disabilities abroad.
- NAFSA (Association of International Educators) Rainbow Special Interest Group Tips for LGBTQA students abroad by NAFSA: The Association of International Educators.
- National Center for Transgender Equality The National Center for Transgender Equality is the nation’s leading social justice advocacy organization winning life-saving change for transgender people. The site includes helpful travel information for transgender students traveling abroad.
- Northeastern LGBTQA Resource Center Offers resources and consultation for all Northeastern students who identify as LGBTQA and allies.
- Scholarships for LGBTQ Students List of study abroad scholarship opportunities specifically for members of the LGBTQA community.
- State Department LGBTQ Human Rights Issues Fact Sheet Information on LGBTQA services and support provided by the U.S. State Department.
- The White House LGBTQ+ Fact Sheet Information regarding what the White House is doing to advance the rights of LGBTQA persons abroad.
- U.S. State Department’s LGBTQ+ Travel Information Travel information for LGBTQA by State Department, including travel tips and government resources for LGBTQA for before and during travel abroad.
While abroad, your identity may be perceived differently than it is in America. You may be going to a country where you are now part of the majority, minority, or maybe your identity as an American will take precedence above all else. Before going abroad, it is important to take the following questions into consideration and anticipate any needs or concerns you have.
- 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 or racist?
- 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?
- 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?
Resources
- AllAbroad A resource guide created by UCLA’s Center for Global Education, offering helpful information and advice on a variety of topics including diversity abroad.
- DiversityAbroad Diversity Abroad provides resources to assist students from all backgrounds with their study abroad plans.
- Diversity Issues in Study Abroad A collection of stories of Brown University students abroad from 1999-2001, addressing issues in diversity while abroad.
- Michigan State University’s “Who Can Study Abroad” Michigan State University’s guide and resources for race and ethnicity, sex and gender, and disabilities abroad.
- Northeastern University Institutional Office of Diversity and Inclusion Northeastern resource that supports underrepresented groups on and off campus.
- Project for Learning Abroad, Training, and Outreach (PLATO) PLATO is committed to addressing the needs of diverse students who study abroad. Their website provides study abroad guidance geared toward specific racially and ethnically diverse student populations.
- “The World is in Your Hands” The University of Pittsburgh guide for African-American students studying abroad.
- Video: Experiencing Diversity Abroad API & Ohio University video about being a student of color abroad.
- Video: Orientation for Students of Color Studying Abroad University of Minnesota’s orientation for diverse students going abroad.
Religions are perceived, practiced and play various roles in countries around the world. Religion(s) in your host country can play a large role in your experience abroad. If you do or do not practice a religion, you may want to ask yourself the following questions while preparing for your experience abroad.
- What do you know about the religion(s) of your host country?
- What is the attitude of people in your host country towards other religions?
- How are religious holidays observed and celebrated?
- How will people perceive your religion? Is your religion legal in your host country?
- Is there a community of people with the same religion as you? Are there places to practice your religion in your host country?
- Will your religion’s holidays be observed and celebrated in your host country? If not, how do you plan to observe holidays?
- If you have religious dietary needs or restrictions, will they be accommodated in your host country?
Resources
- U.S. Department of State – International Religious Freedom Report The U.S. Department of State releases and annual report outlining the status of religious freedom in every country. The report includes comprehensive information outlining the religious demographics, governmental practices related to religion, and the status of societal respect for religious freedom
- https://studyabroad.gwu.edu/religious-non-religious-students-abroad Religion specific tips, information and resources from George Washington University. Also includes information for non-religious students.