Diversity Abroad

Empowering Every Student to Experience the World Through Inclusive Study Abroad Programs

Advancing Diversity and Inclusion in Higher Education

At CIEE, we believe every student deserves access to a transformative, inclusive study abroad experience. Advancing diversity and inclusion in higher education is woven into each study abroad and international internship program we offer by helping people gain understanding, acquire knowledge, and develop skills for living in a globally interdependent and culturally diverse world. We are dedicated to building equity in international education through scholarships, mentorship, and support for underrepresented students.

Celebrating and supporting diversity is at the heart of what we do. CIEE is committed to creating an inclusive environment in which our participants and staff represent the full spectrum of backgrounds and experiences, and where every individual is welcomed, supported, and empowered to share their unique perspective.

How Do We Create Pathways for Underrepresented Students?

Uplifting access to opportunities through scholarships
Providing guidance and resources to each participant
Educating on what diversity looks like across cultures
Fostering respect for all cultural identities

Why Diversity Matters in Study Abroad

Study abroad offers invaluable opportunities for personal growth and cultural understanding, and we believe these benefits should be accessible to everyone. At CIEE, we prioritize inclusive international experiences that support students from all backgrounds, including:

First-generation
LGBTQIA+
Students with disabilities
AND MORE

With more than 250+ program offerings across 40+ locations, we promote cultural diversity and inclusion, fostering global perspectives for a brighter, more equitable future.

study abroad students sit in ciee center

Increasing Access through Scholarships and Financial Assistance

Studying abroad may be financially challenging. At CIEE, we recognize this and offer scholarships and grants to help make studying abroad a reality for all students. We offer several diversity study abroad scholarships, including:

The Douglass-O'Connell Global Internship – Students gain real-world work experience and develop leadership skills on a fully-funded global internship experience
Gilman Go Global Grant and Pell Grants – Pell-eligible students who apply for Gilman grants receive up to $3,500 in support
Minority Serving Institution Grants – High-need students who attend Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) can receive up to $2,000 in aid

These scholarship and grant opportunities represent our commitment to inclusion in international education, ensuring a more equitable, accessible study abroad opportunity for all students.

Find out more about CIEE’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.

City-Specific Diversity Resources

Local CIEE staff have provided valuable details about conditions and cultural attitudes that students with specific identities might encounter in their study abroad city.

Find out More

FAQs About Diversity Abroad

Global diversity refers to the cultural, ethnic, religious, linguistic, and socioeconomic differences among people around the world. These differences arise from varying individual experiences, locations, and historical contexts.

In the study abroad space, global diversity is a concept that we embrace, as it emphasizes the importance of mutual respect and understanding to foster cross-cultural understanding.

Studying abroad helps you culturally by:

Challenging you to look beyond your own perspective
Encouraging you to adapt to unfamiliar traditions and values
Broadening your empathy toward other people, places, and cultures
Re-shaping your worldview, making you more globally-minded

Yes! CIEE has several diversity scholarships, including:

Yes, you can connect with other students from similar backgrounds before going abroad by visiting our Ask An Ambassador page. Simply search by program city, find an ambassador from your school or background, and send them an email!

Similarly, you can download the CIEE mobile app and chat with CIEE ambassadors directly. Finally, be sure to follow CIEE Study Abroad on Instagram and TikTok to see what our students are doing abroad right now and make connections through social media.

CIEE is committed to promoting equity in international education through scholarships, personalized support, and inclusive programming. Our initiatives aim to make study abroad accessible to all students, including underrepresented groups, first-generation students, LGBTQIA+ students, and those with disabilities.

Additionally, CIEE provides student support through pre-departure and on-site orientation, on-site support staff, and additional resources to help students navigate cultural differences.

Hear Directly From Students

"Adapting to being one of the very few black individuals in Barcelona took some time. While I attend a predominantly white school back home, I interact with many black friends on a daily basis. In Barcelona, the difference was palpable, and I realized I was experiencing culture shock. To cope, I maintained connections with friends and family back home, which helped me feel connected. Sharing my feelings with the people I trusted most was invaluable. It's essential to acknowledge that you'll go through a range of emotions, and it's perfectly normal to feel them."

Kameela Lemma
"Studying abroad in Paris as a black woman provided me with lessons that extended far beyond the classroom. It was a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and empowerment. Navigating a white-dominated society while embracing my identity taught me the importance of breaking stereotypes, fostering cross-cultural understanding, appreciating diversity, and using education as a tool for empowerment."

Audrey Sparks
"There have been situations where I have had to act as a representative of the Latin or LGBTQ+ community and even America as a whole which can be tiring but helps individuals to be able to reach the same page. Putting a name to cultural ideas like perspective shifting, and cultural empathy has helped me have a better ability to learn how other cultures in Europe see the world. For me, I have been conditioned to act as an individual, but I have been able to live a more collectivist lifestyle here in Spain and have been able to see the appeal. Though it took three months for me to finally find some belonging I have a newfound respect for learning about other cultures and the tools in which I need to understand them more deeply."

Joseph Decilos

Diversity Abroad Blog Posts

From CIEE

Top 3 CIEE Diversity Abroad Scholarships and Grants

By College Study Abroad at CIEE

Studying abroad can be a life-changing experience, but for many underrepresented students, financial barriers can stand in the way of this incredible opportunity. CIEE Study Abroad is dedicated to breaking... keep reading

students from underrepresented backgrounds study abroad tips

From CIEE

5 Tips for Students Studying Abroad from Underrepresented Backgrounds

By College Study Abroad at CIEE

Navigating new cultures, understanding social dynamics, and building a sense of belonging in a foreign country can be complex, but for students from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds, studying abroad can... keep reading

From CIEE

How Does Studying Abroad Help You Culturally? Tips to Prepare!

By College Study Abroad at CIEE

Studying abroad isn’t just about ticking travel boxes and getting your passport stamped; it’s about seeing how other people live, think, and connect. It’s the ultimate crash course in cultural... keep reading