The North Carolina Consortium Paris Program aims to foster, encourage, and promote inclusiveness, mutual respect, acceptance and open-mindedness among students, faculty, and program associates.
Diversity is an educational benefit that enhances the academic experience, and fosters a free exchange of ideas from multiple perspectives.
Diversity includes, but is not limited to race, sex, age, color, national origin (including ethnicity), creed, religion, disability, sexual orientation, political affiliation, veteran's status, gender, educational disadvantage, socio-economic circumstances, language, and history of overcoming adversity.
We recognize that while abroad, students may experience a change in norms and face challenges regarding issues of identity differently than at home. Cultural attitudes towards various aspects of one's identity vary from country to country.
One may also come to new realizations about his or her own views on identity and diversity throughout his or her time abroad. Becoming aware of cultural assumptions, your own expectations, and current issues in France can be valuable preparation for your time in France.
We offer the links below as one set of resources to support you in this process. The program staff are also available to support you in addressing any issues or concerns regarding identity and diversity which may arise before, during, or after the program.
The PLATO project aims to address the needs of students in underrepresented ethnic groups who study abroad. PLATO provides many links to organizations, resources, and scholarships that support academic achievement for minorities.
DiversityAbroad offers advice and tips for minorities studying abroad. Group specific information is given for African Americans, Asian and Pacific Islanders, Hispanic and Latinos, and Native Americans.
ILGA's website features an interactive map that allows you to select a country and view its attitudes, laws, movements, and campaigns associated with that specific LGBT community.
IGLTA is an international travel network dedicated to connecting and educating traveling LGBTs. IGLTA is affiliated with many businesses around the world that are run by or support LGBTs.
NAFSA provides great information about studying abroad as an LGBT individual. There's information on various topics that deal with studying abroad like housing and safety, as well as a bibliography of books and travel guides written for the LGBT community.
This blog entry was written by Robin Goralka, who identifies with the LGBT community and studied abroad in Bordeaux, France. Goralka outlines important issues for LGBT individuals who are interested in studying abroad.
MIUSA is an organization that aims to advance disability rights and global leadership. MIUSA helps disabled students who want to study abroad by providing resources, pre-departure information, and facts on international disability culture.
MIUSA also posts personal stories of disabled study abroad returnees.