Diversity & Inclusion
Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion
At CEA, going abroad for a study or internship experience should be accessible to and inclusive of every student. Whether you are studying an uncommon major, are from a minority ethnic group, have limited financial means, or are considered underrepresented in international education for any other reason, at CEA we want you to know going abroad IS an opportunity for you. Engaging with new people, cultures, and languages is an incredible way for you to learn more about your own identities, values, and beliefs. We want to make sure that that process of self-discovery is an affirming and informed experience. Going abroad can be challenging, but CEA is here to offer the right level of support for you to thrive.
CEA is dedicated to expanding opportunities abroad for students who don’t fit the traditional model. Together with our university partners in the US and abroad, we are working to expand access, increase diversity, support inclusion and benefit not only the participants in our internship and study programs, but the communities they join and the world at large.
Resources and Links
Student & Family Resources
Before going abroad, take some time to explore different resources that can help you get a better idea of what it might be like to be YOU while you’re abroad. This section of our website is divided by different social identities. You may belong to one or all of these groups, and our goal at CEA is to give you insights for as many of your identities as possible.
To get started:
DiversityAbroad.com – the student services arm of the Diversity Abroad Network that provides a space for diverse and underrepresented students to access resources and build community. It features blogs, scholarships, and specific resources for preparing to go abroad, living abroad, and coming home.
US State Department’s Student Website – covering everything from absentee voting to a traveler’s checklist to resources for different group identities, this is a great site to learn official information from the government about how to get ready for going abroad
Funding opportunities
CEA Study Abroad scholarships – grants, vouchers and other funding options exclusively for CEA students
Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship – U.S. Department of State’s grant program that enables students of limited financial means to study or intern abroad
Fund for Education Abroad – provides scholarships and ongoing support to students who are underrepresented among the U.S. study abroad population, including minority, community college, and first-generation college students.
Boren Scholarships & Fellowships – an initiative of the National Security Education Program, provide unique funding opportunities for U.S. undergraduate students to study less commonly taught languages in world regions critical to U.S. interests, and underrepresented in study abroad, including Africa, Asia, Central and Eastern Europe, Eurasia, Latin America, and the Middle East.
Center for Disease Control and Prevention – specific information by country for study abroad students on vaccines, medicines, and medical advice
First Generation
ImFirst.org – an online community celebrating first-generation college students with video stories, blogs, guidance, and mentoring with dozens of blog posts about study abroad
AllAbroad.us – a is a clearinghouse of resources, information, and mentors that promotes greater diversity among study abroad participants
Center for First-Generation Student Success – source of evidence-based practices, professional development, and knowledge creation for the higher education community to advance the success of first-generation students
The Impact of Internships and Study Abroad on the Career Readiness of First-Generation Students – A 2019 article that examines data from NACE’s 2018 Student Survey to compare the effects of these high-impact activities on first-generation students
Inroad Toward Empathy – CEA blog
Hard, but Easy Decisions as a Study Abroad Student & Onsite Ambassador – A blog post by CEA Prague Onsite Ambassador Shelly Ng (first gen and student of color) about her decision to go abroad and also return as an ambassador, despite her parents’ disapproval.
High Financial Need
Diversity Abroad Network Summer Scholarships – The Diversity Abroad Consortium will offer summer scholarships in the amount of $1,000 for full-time undergraduate (both community college and university level) students who go abroad with CEA
Diversity Abroad Overseas Ambassador Program – 5 $500 scholarships available every fall and spring semester through Diversity Abroad for students who go abroad with CEA
Expatistan – a resource to compare costs of living so you can budget the difference between where you live now and where you will be abroad
US Department of State Foreign Per Diem Rates – use this tool to estimate how much you might need to budget while abroad
Goabroad.com Scholarship Directory – A directory of scholarships to help fund your abroad experience
Studying Abroad for the Non-Traditional College Student – CEA Blog
LGBTQIA+ Abroad
Make sure to take the time to learn about the cultural norms, gender roles, stereotypes and politics of where you might like to go abroad. Think about how those differing ideas, attitudes, behaviors and laws might impact your experience overseas.
National Center for Transgender Equality – an organization that advocates to change policies and society to increase understanding and acceptance of transgender people and the website includes relevant information about airport security, passports, and immigration documents.
Rainbow SIG– resources like scholarships and advice guides for students studying abroad who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer (LGBTQ+)
International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, and Intersex Association – is the world federation of national and local organizations dedicated to achieving equal rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex (LGBTI) people across the globe and their website includes resources like a map of sexual orientation laws in the world and a report on global attitudes
Spartacus Gay Travel Index – news, guides, events, blogs and country specific information for students who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer (LGBTQ+)
OutRight Action International – an organization that fights for human rights for LGBTIQ people everywhere.
TransRespect vs. Transphobia Worldwide – a global research project, seeking to provide an overview of the human rights situation for trans- and gender-diverse people in different parts of the world.
Free and Equal – United Nations – a global United Nations public information campaign aimed at promoting equal rights and fair treatment of LGBTQI+ people.
Three Reasons Paris is Great for LGBTQ Students – CEA Blog
Trans Travel Tips – a tip sheet from the Canadian Human Rights Trust
Transgender Travel Guide – get through the TSA Safely
Meaningful Travel Tips & Tales: LGBTQ+ Perspectives – a free ebook published by Goabroad.com Get Through The TSA Safely
LGBT Students and Study Abroad Document – a guide from Ithaca College
Print Resources for LGBTQ Students Studying Abroad – resources from Carleton college which include suggested readings for different regions of the world
Dopes on the road – a female LGBT travel guide
Students of Color Abroad
Make sure to take the time to learn about the cultural norms, gender roles, stereotypes and politics of where you might like to go abroad. Think about how those differing ideas, attitudes, behaviors and laws might impact your experience overseas, and the perception of your race or ethnicity within the unique historical context of that country.
Reasons to Study Abroad – Series of posts about WHY students of color should study abroad from allabroad.us
- African-American Students
- Asian/Pacific Islander Students
- Hispanic/Latin@ Students
- Native America Students
Minorities and Students of Color Abroad – basic tips from Diversity Abroad
Black and Abroad – a multi-platform travel & lifestyle company redefining experiences for the modern Black traveler
Black Students Study Abroad: The Good, The Bad, The Weird – reflections from a black traveler on goabroad.com
Leave Them Woke in Your Wake: 9 Truths for Black Students Traveling Abroad – from goabroad.com
Meaningful Travel Tips & Tales: African American Perspectives – a free ebook published by Goabroad.com
Meaningful Travel Tips & Tales—LatinX Perspectives – a free ebook published by Goabroad.com
Meaningful Travel Tips & Tales: Asian Travelers’ Perspectives – a free ebook published by Goabroad.com
What it Means to Be An Asian-American in Europe – one blogger’s experience abroad
NAFSA Tamara H Bryant Memorial Scholarship – for African-American undergraduate students
The Importance of Being Black and Going Abroad – CEA Blog
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month – CEA Blog
Invisible Identities Abroad – Mental Health, Allergies, and Learning Needs
Make sure to take the time to learn about the cultural norms, gender roles, stereotypes and politics of where you’re going abroad. Think about how those differing ideas, attitudes, behaviors and laws might impact your experience overseas.
Creating an Emotional Passport and Video Presentation – a printable resource to help students successfully “ Culture Shift,” developed by Dr. Janice Abarbanel Study Abroad Psychologist and Health Educator, and a presentation given to MIT students getting ready to go abroad
US Department of Agriculture – Country- Specific Import/Export Laws about bringing an animal, like an emotional support animal, abroad including policies and quarantine periods
Pet Friendly Travel – information about pet relief areas in airports, regulations in foreign countries, vaccination requirements, and specific airline regulations.
Mobility International USA – article about traveling internationally with a guide dog or service animal
Food Allergy Preparations – a short article with 6 suggested steps to prepare to study abroad if you have a food allergy
How to study abroad with dietary restrictions – important considerations for study abroad
How to travel well with dietary restrictions and food allergies – an article with general tips for those with food allergies, celiac disease or multiple restrictions
Celiac Travel – a website dedicated to getting facts and tips for special diets around the world
Eating Vegan Abroad – Nine tips for vegans who travel abroad
Happycow.net – a website with vegan/vegetarian restaurant listings, recipes, and stores around the world
Halal Restaurants & Stores – Directory of halal restaurants and stores worldwide.
Trevor Project – leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning (LGBTQ) young people with crisis text, chat and call services
Accessibility Abroad
Make sure to take the time to learn about the cultural norms, gender roles, stereotypes and politics of where you’re going abroad. Think about how those differing ideas, attitudes, behaviors and laws might impact your experience overseas.
Mobility International USA – a disability-led non-profit organization working to empower people with disabilities to achieve their human rights through international exchange
Abroad with Disabilities – empowers persons with disabilities to engage in domestic and international travel by providing resources, spreading awareness and providing information on accessibility in various locations around the world
Traveling with Disabilities – US State Department Information
Open Doors® Statistics on U.S. College-Level Study Abroad Students with Disabilities – a brief article with key information for those wanting to learn more about the number of students with disabilities who study abroad
Religion & Spirituality Abroad
Make sure to take the time to learn about the cultural norms, gender roles, stereotypes and politics of where you’re going abroad. Think about how those differing ideas, attitudes, behaviors and laws might impact your experience overseas.
International Religious Freedoms Report
World Buddhist Directory – searchable database to find Buddhist centers around the world
Church Finder: Limited international church listings.
Christianity Today International – International network of Christian ministries, search for your denomination and your host country or city name.
Hindu Temples Worldwide: Details of various Hindu temples around the world
Islamic Finder: Directory of prayer times, Islamic organizations, and mosques worldwide.
Muslim Internet Directory: organizations and resources worldwide.
Halal Restaurants & Stores: Directory of halal restaurants and stores worldwide.
Jewish Virtual Library: List of synagogues worldwide
World Union of Jewish Students: WUJS is an international umbrella organization comprised of 48 national independent Jewish Student Unions around the world.
KahalaAbroad: an organization that connects individuals with a local Jewish community while abroad
Have Halal Will Travel: provides travel guides, itineraries, accommodation options, and more for Muslim students
Yeah That’s Kosher: provides a guide to keeping kosher internationally, at a country level
Gender Abroad
Make sure to take the time to learn about the cultural norms, gender roles, stereotypes and politics of where you’re going abroad. Think about how those differing ideas, attitudes, behaviors and laws might impact your experience overseas.
Sexual Health while Studying Abroad – a CEA resource to help keep you safe
Sexual Health and Travel – top 5 things to know about sexual activity abroad
Information for Women Travelers – US State Department
Pathways to Safety International – Empowering victims of interpersonal & gender-based violence abroad
Feminine Hygiene Products Abroad
Her Own Way – A Woman’s Safe-Travel Guide – Resource from the Canadian government
Male Students in Study Abroad – CEA Blog
Veterans & ROTC Abroad
Each state has its own legislation pertaining to veteran educational funding. Be sure to check out the information because some individuals can receive both federal and state veteran educational funds. Funds apply differently depending on the program, be sure to talk to your university's Office of Veteran's Affairs for more information for your specific case.
US Department of Veteran Affairs
How to Study Abroad as a Veteran – an article about studying abroad as a Veteran in the Havok Journal, which seeks to serve as a voice for the veteran community
athletes
How to Study Abroad as a College Athlete – blog post on GoOverseas.com with some tips about how to make playing sports and being abroad a reality
Common Myths About Studying Abroad as a Student Athlete – a blog post from goabroad.com that breaks down barriers for students, parents and coaches concerned about athletes abroad
Competing Against the World: How to Successfully Study Abroad as a College Athlete – A blog post from Brooke Roberts’ Inside Study Abroad
STEM Students
Why STEM students Should Study Abroad – blog from goabroad.com
5 Reasons for STEM students to go Abroad– blog from gooverseas.com
Women in STEM: benefits of studying abroad – blog from the Times Higher Education
Three Bogus Reasons STEM Majors Choose Not To Go Abroad – Diversity Abroad blog post
Engineering Student Spotlight 1 – blog from CEA
Engineering Student Spotlight 2– blog from CEA
Engineering Student Spotlight 3 – blog from CEA
Engineering Student Spotlight 4 – blog from CEA
An Engineer’s Life Studying Abroad – blog from CEA
Engineering Majors can Study Abroad, too! – blog from CEA
Why Should an Engineer Study Abroad & Why France is the Best Place to do so – blog from CEA
Engineering Internship Student Spotlight – blog from CEA
Studying Abroad at the Starting Line of your College Career – blog from CEA
CEA Diversity & Inclusion Committee Members
CEA’s Diversity & Inclusion Committee serves to raise awareness of human diversity topics and provide relevant resources within the organization. Embodying one of CEA’s core values, Embrace Differences, the committee seeks to propel the organization forward as a contributor of access, diversity, inclusion, and equity within international education. Each committee member holds personal interest in and commitment to these four principles.
Andrea Masini, Senior Academic Coordinator in Rome, Italy
I’ve always been committed in the fight for integration and social inclusion. I had been asked to take part in the Diversity Committee also because I’m an activist for the LGBTQIA+ within the Roman community, I accepted immediately.
Back in January 2016 I was with my boyfriend taking part in one of the biggest marches in support of gay marriage that was going to be approved by the Italian Government. We kissed each other in front of the Pantheon and a photo was taken of us by the many journalists there. That photo has been shared all over the world by newspapers, news outlets and various websites and has become a sort of symbol for the Italian civil right law approved in May 2016.
New York Times: Italy Divided Over Effort to Legalize Civil Unions for Gays
Elizabeth Kather, Director of Health, Safety and Student Affairs
Working with students for over 15 years during their pivotal college years has fostered my deep appreciation for all they accomplish as they grow, develop and achieve their educational desires and dreams. I believe student success depends on recognizing their multiple identities, facilitating their inclusion, and supporting their needs in and out of the classroom.
Jessica Hankiewicz, Associate Director of Student Affairs in Prague, Czech Republic
I believe that the value and richness of diverse backgrounds and viewpoints cannot be overestimated in a student’s educational experience. Above all, I am passionate about keeping equality at the forefront of study abroad and about translating that into ever more diverse student cohorts.
Jorge Garay Cañamero, Student Life Advisor in Granada, Spain
Before joining CEA, I worked with diverse NGO helping the underrepresented part of the Spanish society (refugees, people with very diverse background, race, religion, etc.). Being part of the Diversity Committee is a great opportunity for me to keep on improving and educating the society in how important it is to give everyone the same opportunities.
Maggie Banchs, Program Director in San José, Costa Rica
Living in the “pura vida” country is amazing, but we’re still a society that is learning how to understand the concept of accepting what’s outside of the norm that has predominate for generations. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, working at a place like CEA is a great opportunity to be part of the change and educate the local community. Another key component for me to be so excited to be part of this committee is to bring visibility to the many under-represented students we’re receiving, especially as a Latin country, and to bring ideas on how to help them achieve a successful study abroad experience.
Olivia Del Viscio, Program Development Coordinator, Program Development
In my work, my passion lies in creating accessible programming for students traditionally underserved in education abroad as well as promoting practices that create safe and inclusive environments for these students. I served on the first iteration of the CEA Values Committee that guided the launch our Core Values, and I was very fortunate to have the opportunity to launch our Embracing Differences value to the organization. Following the end of my term, I was hungry to continue giving back to both CEA and education abroad field at large. Being a part of the CEA Diversity Awareness Committee grants me the unique privilege to continue the work I’m most passionate about, to learn from my CEA colleagues, and to continue to give back to the organization in a unique and energizing way.
Sean Williams, Regional Director of University Relations, New England
Sean is the Regional Director of University Relations for CEA in New England and has participated in various diversity and inclusion initiatives throughout his academic and professional life, particularly in the areas of intercultural experiential learning and international career development. Since his time with CEA, Sean has started a number of initiatives with key institutional partners in his region to increase study abroad funding opportunities to allow for more students of color, students with financial needs, and first generation students to study or intern abroad, and as new member of the Diversity Committee, he is looking forward to championing similar efforts across the organization.
Shayna Trujillo, Program Development Specialist
I have worked in various capacities to support at-risk, underserved and underrepresented student groups since 2011. I am most motivated to bring best practices and create training opportunities for professionals in the international education field to make sure we can perpetuate increase equity and promote inclusion in all spheres. I am most excited about being part of the CEA Diversity Awareness Committee because of the opportunity it represents to bring some innovative solutions and creative initiatives to internal and external audiences.
