Chapman University encourages students from all backgrounds to partake in study abroad. As in the U.S., you will find abroad that certain people or groups are more open to diversity than others. Components of how you identify yourself become highlighted while abroad because they are unfamiliar to the local community; other characteristics may decrease in visibility if they are more common among the local population. Students have returned from study abroad with different feelings about the attitudes they encountered abroad. Some students felt relieved to be free from the cultural norms and expectations of the U.S. Others find it more challenging to confront diversity issues in an unfamiliar culture. Occasionally, students have faced racism and intolerance abroad, just as it is possible to experience racism and intolerance in the U.S.
Learn about what types of support exists in the host culture for your particular needs:
Organizations and support resources - Laws
- Norms/styles of behavior
- Media
- General attitudes toward your needs
- Meeting places
Visit Diversity & Equity Initiatives to learn more about how Chapman University engages the Chapman community in learning experiences fostering a campus environment that highly values personal dignity, diversity, equity, civility and global citizenship. Those you meet in your host country such as your on-site program director, friends, students, and host families will be knowledgeable about the country and may be able to assist you with some concerns and needs as well.
Scholarships are available for students from diverse backgrounds.
Research how your host country views someone with your characteristics/needs. Use the resources below to help answer your questions and find support for diversity and access while you are abroad:
