We in the Isabella Canon Global Education Center (GEC) are committed to inclusive excellence in global engagement and believe study away can be an empowering and uplifting educational experience for everyone. We recognize and name the inherent systemic privilege within international education, its inequitable post-colonial roots, and predominantly white Eurocentric focus that persists to this day; and we further recognize and name our collective inherent subconscious bias that continues to affect our work and lives. We acknowledge that racism, colorism, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, classism, anti-Semitism, islamophobia and other forms of religious persecution are global issues in both the United States and abroad.

Yet we also believe that the transformative potential of study away can and should be accessible for all students, and that those experiences should and can be equitable. It begins with us, each of us, both within ourselves and with the intentional planning, programming, and pedagogy we implement for our students.

Keeping in Mind Your Identity When Choosing Your Program

Similar to how your identities may impact your experience at Elon and the surrounding community, your identities may impact your experience on a global engagement program – potentially in a different manner compared to your experience at Elon. The following resources are designed to assist you with your preparation and planning. GEC advisors can direct students to destination-specific services and materials. We invite you to reach out to the GEC with any questions or concerns.

This information and list of resources was curated in part by Elon Master in Arts of Higher Education (M.H.E.) students Jillian Epperson ’20, Caroline Dean ’20, and Taylor Swan ’20 in their capstone report “Supporting ALANAM and LGBTQIA+ Students’ Identity Development in Online Platforms as They Explore Global Education Opportunities.”

Resources that span identity groups and intersections

Bias Incidents While Away

You are not alone – the GEC is here to support you. If you experience any form of harassment or discrimination, do not hesitate to contact your GEC advisor. If you are participating in an Elon short-term or Center program, please contact your Elon program leader or Center faculty member. Students on exchange and affiliate programs can contact the on-site staff on their host program. You can also contact your GEC advisor for assistance. You can also report your experience via the Elon’s Bias Response system.

In 2019, Isabella Cannon Global Education Center staff participated in the Diversity Abroad pilot program for the Access, Inclusion, Diversity and Equity (AIDE) Roadmap, which led to the development of a 2020-25 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Strategic Plan for global engagement programs. Read about the plan and our progress below.

GEC Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Strategic Plan