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Empowering Study Abroad: MENSCH Framework for Cultivating Inclusivity & Support for Students

by | Mar 15, 2024 | Education Abroad Resources, Support & Advising

Empowering Study Abroad: MENSCH Framework for Cultivating Inclusivity & Support for Students

In this session presentation, the speaker explores the barriers faced by African American and Latino students in studying abroad, drawing on the work of Johnetta Cole (1991) and Hembroff and Rusz (1993). Using a qualitative exploratory case study at a Predominantly White Institution, the study delves into family, finances, fear, faculty, and academics as key themes affecting students of color throughout their study abroad experiences.

The research employs an anti-deficit holistic framework named MENSCH, focusing on the human aspect of students of color and emphasizing integrity and respect. The findings reveal nuanced perspectives, highlighting the positive influence of families, peers, communities, and advisors in supporting students at various stages. However, the study also uncovers shortcomings, such as the lack of targeted information for families of color and faculty prioritizing ‘group-fit’ over academic criteria.

Eight major findings emerge, including the significant role of family and community, financial considerations, students navigating spaces abroad independently, the need for diverse faculty and staff, flexibility in academic criteria, safety and wellbeing priorities, the minority experience for White students abroad, and the challenges of returning to marginalization.

The MENSCH framework, drawing on multiple consciousness, identity intersections, power structures, study abroad contexts, the capability approach, and recognizing students’ knowledge, skills, and abilities, serves as a practical guide for educators to enhance support for underrepresented students in study abroad programs. The presentation concludes with a call for repositioning educators’ engagement with marginalized students, fostering a deeper understanding of their potential contributions..

Presenters

  • Metrice Harris-Weedman | University of Bath
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Global/EDI Initiatives: Designing an Intercultural Agenda for Leaders and Managers | GIRS 2024

by | Mar 15, 2024 | Education Abroad Resources, Faculty, Fundamentals, Support & Advising

Global/EDI Initiatives: Designing an Intercultural Agenda for Leaders and Managers

In this session, we will discuss a framework for managing diversity in an organization experiencing change with a focus on intercultural frameworks of listening for understanding between higher-end strategic thinkers and those on the frontline implementing global/EDI initiatives. We will devote attention to the location-specific challenges and opportunities for institutional EDI development in the UK that may hold similarities and differences from the US frameworks for institutional change.

Presenters

  • Annie Gibson, Director of Study Abroad and Global Education and Administrative Associate Professor | Tulane University- Newcomb College
  • Monique Hodges, Assistant Dean for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, Administration & Special Projects | Tulane University-Newcomb College
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    What does D&I look like for university collaborative partners in 3 diverse campuses?

    by | Mar 15, 2024 | Education Abroad Resources, Support & Advising

    What does D&I look like for university collaborative partners in 3 diverse campuses | GIRS 2024

    This interactive presentation looks at the importance of diversity and inclusion in building a just society among our university partners. We will look and three different countries with differing laws and societal norms: Nepal, Sri Lanka and United Arab Emirates. We will examine the issues and problems we may face with diversity and inclusion across cultures and we will enable a discussion on how we can create a framework to bring diversity and inclusion to the forefront of our activities.

    Presenters

    • Hazel Messenger, Associate Professor Guildhall School of Business and Law | London Metropolitan University
    • Wendy Bloisi, Head of Academic Partnerships and Short Courses | London Metropolitan University
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    Building Support Structures for Diverse Student Experiences: Strategies for Inclusive Student Support

    by | Mar 7, 2024 | Education Abroad Resources, Fundamentals, Support & Advising, Uncategorized

    Building Support Structures for Diverse Student Experiences: Strategies for Inclusive Student Support

    From Live Session on March 7, 2024

    Session Description: 

    This community discussion — facilitated by the 2023-24 DEI Professionals in International Education Community of Practice — featured panelists as they navigate the complexities of supporting students in today’s dynamic educational landscape. The discussion explored how institutions can collaborate with faculty, program personnel, and advisors to develop effective strategies to create, implement, and communicate student accommodation standards abroad with inclusion and belonging at the center. Finally, we will close with tips on how to constructively set program expectations such that participating students are informed and well-prepared to make the most of their education abroad.

    Moderator:

    • Karen Olivas, CET Academic Programs

    Presenters:

    • Daniella Lubey, Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University
    • Chris Thompson, COMPEAR Global Education Network
    • Tony Nelson, CET Academic Programs
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      Navigating the Storm: Understanding & Addressing the Backlash Against DEI in Intl Ed

      by | Feb 15, 2024 | Career Advancement Resources, Leadership & Advancement

      Navigating the Storm: Understanding and Addressing the Backlash Against DEI in International Education

      Community Discussion held on February 15, 2024

      Diversity Abroad for a timely discussion as we address the critical issues surrounding the recent backlash against Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in the broader context of society, media, and higher education with a focus on its implications for international education. Our expert panelists will discuss the root of the current backlash, its impact on hard won progress in making international education more inclusive, and why DEI remains vital for our field’s relevance in the higher education landscape.

      This webinar is part of Diversity Abroad’s commitment to advance inclusive and equitable good practice and policies within international education. Our dual mandate continues to be advancing inclusive student success through equitable access to international education and championing practices to diversify the profession.

      Discussants:

      • Andrew Gordon | Includifi / Diversity Abroad
      • Lily Lopez-McGee | Diversity Abroad