Program Design for Inclusion and Belonging in Virtual Spaces: Case Studies from CLS Spark and Virtual NSLI-Y

Concurrent Session from 2023 Global Inclusion Conference

In this session, representatives from two federally funded virtual exchange programs (CLS Spark and Virtual NSLI-Y) will discuss promoting inclusion and belonging in cohorts of beginning-level language learners. Both programs emphasize the role of instructors as welcoming forces, cultural activities that highlight diverse communities overseas, and co-curricular activities such as workshops and virtual guest speakers from a wide range of backgrounds to facilitate connection and community.

A Restorative Justice Approach to Study Abroad Programming

Concurrent Session from 2023 Global Inclusion Conference

The session suggests Restorative Justice (RJ) practices can inform the way international educators prepare students for experiences of culture shock through an identity & self-reflection lens. It will highlight a comprehensive case study for pre & post abroad programming designed to create an inclusive space where prospective study abroad students can explore intersecting identities in an international context and foster transparent conversations around topics of equity, access, and inclusion.

IDEAS for Indigenous Inclusion in Education Abroad

Concurrent Session from 2023 Global Inclusion Conference

Participation among American Indian and Alaskan Native students in U.S. Study Abroad is consistently just 0.5%. Presenters from three diverse institutions will share strategies to recruit and support Indigenous students in international education, develop programs aligned with Native interests and goals, and engage with local and international Native partners and communities. These initiatives are all supported with funding from the U.S. Department of State’s IDEAS Program.

Inclusive Student Support in the Era of X-Gender Marker Passports from the Perspectives of Administrator

Concurrent Session from 2023 Global Inclusion Conference

The United States now legally allows X as a gender marker on U.S. passports. As students begin to select these passports, the study abroad field must develop new approaches to student support in the face of a variety of laws, regulations, customs, and cultural approaches internationally. Join a student, university advisor, and CLS program administrator to discuss best practices in addressing critical issues that affect transgender and nonbinary study abroad participants.

Queer Abroad: Shedding New Light on Supporting LGBTQIA+ Students in Education Abroad

Concurrent Session from 2023 Global Inclusion Conference

Study abroad has seen an increase in LGBTQIA+ participation over the last decade, and research finds that LGBTQIA+ students are more likely to study abroad than their heterosexual peers (Bryant & Soria, 2015). Despite this, we have little updated research on LGBTQIA+ abroad students. This session will focus on current practices in advising queer students and using new research from the RAISE Center to inform best practices and future improvements.

Presenters:

• Timothy Dohmen | Program Director, Learning Abroad Center, The University of Minnesota
• Asia King | Senior Learning & Development Coordinator, Diversity Abroad
• Patrick Bingham | Research Assistant Professor, RAISE Center,  Wake Forest University
• Shawna Parker | VP, Communications & Partner Marketing, CEA CAPA Education Abroad