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"It is important to remember that discrimination affects us all,
whether positively through privilege or negatively through
under-privilege. Thus, successfully combating discrimination
requires
self-reflection, honesty and interaction on both parts. We
cannot
consider ourselves as a part of the effort to eradicate this
social
illness without being willing to confront the oppressive
mentalities
and practices that are ingrained in our culture."
- student, Fordham University, Central America semester program
I became more aware of the complexities of
class, race, gender, sexuality, and language group, and of my
need to be sensitive to as much of that as I can.
- student, University of Redlands, Mexico
semester program |
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Supporting a Diverse Community of Co-learners
Studying and traveling abroad is a unique and often life
changing experience where you have the opportunity to grow
professionally and personally. However, it can also be a challenging
experience. Immersing yourself in a new and different culture, you are
bound to be faced with some norms or beliefs that may be offensive or
even discriminatory. Ultimately, this is all part of the abroad
experience and will help you to learn more about yourself and the world
around you.
In this section we present information that can:
-
help ease your immersion into a new and different
culture,
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prepare you regarding what to expect in the
countries where you will study/travel, and
-
help you anticipate some of the challenges that
privilege and discrimination may play in your international
experience.
The Center for Global Education strives to create for
its participants an intentionally diverse community of co-learners where
a variety of cultures and backgrounds is represented. Students, faculty,
and staff help each other respond to issues of oppression such as
racism, sexism, homophobia, economic inequality, xenophobia, and classism, in an environment where diversity expands participants’
thinking and worldview.
While the Center for Global Education at A ugsburg
College is situated within a predominantly white institution, it is
important to the mission of Augsburg College and the Center to embrace
and value diversity. The Center for Global Education operates
in more than five different countries and includes a diverse team of
staff and professors; thus, we bring rich and varied perspectives in
addressing diversity and cultural issues. For that reason, you will find
different language used throughout this site to discuss race, ethnicity,
and cultural discrimination that reflects our regional perspectives.
If you have additional questions about issues of
diversity, multiculturalism, or oppression in regards to the site to
which you will travel, please let us know during the enrollment process. |
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WHAT MAKES OUR PROGRAM UNIQUE?
An environment where diversity is respected and
where students, faculty, and staff encourage the discussion and responses
to various forms of oppression such as racism, sexism, homophobia, economic
inequality, xenophobia, and classism.
An ethnically and culturally
diverse staff of North
Americans, Africans, Asians, and Latin Americans who coordinate
educational programs and teach courses.
Opportunities to explore your own heritage, ethnicity and identity.
Scholarships for
students who've been historically under-represented in international
programs.
Face-to-face engagement with peoples from diverse ethnic
backgrounds struggling for justice in other regions of the world.
Hands-on opportunities to meet and discuss current issues
with people at the grassroots level.
Opportunities to expand your worldview and
challenge your
perceptions about global justice
and human liberation.
Opportunity to improve your professional and financial
potential by participating in a life-changing experience that will
add value to your studies and possible entry into an
international career.
Strengthen intercultural communication
and leadership skills.
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