Diversity
No Title Heading link
-
Defining
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.
-
Backgrounds & Minority
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.
-
How You See 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.
No Title Heading link
Anti-Americanism Abroad
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 an appropriate risk assessment, it should present invaluable teachable moments for education abroad programs.”
Brown University Diversity Handbook
Diversity Issues in Study Abroad “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.”
Mobility International USA
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
NAFSA has compiled a list of resources that focus on the benefits and challenges of GLBTQ study abroad students. This site contains information bibliographies, websites, and organizations.
The Race Project
Looking through the eyes of history, science (human variation), and lived experience, the American Anthropological Association (AAA) RACE Project explains differences among people and reveals the reality – and unreality – of race.
“Racism is not about how you look, it is about how people assign meaning to how you look.” – Robin Kelley, Historian
Supporting Diversity in Study Abroad
At this website, students, advisors, and parents will find the 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 website offers a “ten best reasons to study abroad” list for African-Americans, for Asian Americans, for Hispanic Americans, and for Native Americans.
UIC Centers For Cultural Understanding and Social Change Heading link
The Centers for Cultural Understanding and Social Change (CCUSC) are a collaborative group of seven centers with distinct histories, missions, and locations that promote the well being of and cultural awareness about underrepresented and underserved groups at UIC.
The Centers’s collective purpose is to expand cultural understanding by providing opportunities for intercultural engagement among students, faculty, staff, and Chicago communities.
- African American Cultural Center
- Arab American Cultural Center
- Asian American Resource and Cultural Center
- Disability Resource Center
- Gender and Sexuality Center
- Rafael Cintron-Ortiz Latino Cultural Center
- Women’s Leadership and Resource center
UIC Office of Access and Equity Heading link
A university website dedicated to topics and resources about diversity.