Diversity and Inclusion
Inclusion is a Centerpiece—Not an Afterthought
Our DEI efforts are more robust than ever, yet they’ve long been a cornerstone of meaningful learning experiences for IFSA students—one and all.
Scholarships that expand opportunity
One in every three IFSA applicants benefits from a range of study abroad grants that award more than $1M each year.
Enriched academics
Newly developed IFSA classes include elements to both raise awareness of identity, power, and privilege and give students tools to collaborate with people from other cultures.
A guiding principle
Since 2016, we’ve woven inclusive excellence through everything we do. Acknowledging our diverse identities and abilities shapes how we develop programs, connect with students, plan orientations, and much more.
Our You Belong Here initiative
Recent accomplishments include:
- Expanding educational approaches, content, and assessment measures to ensure students get a deeper understanding of inclusion, locally and globally.
- Establishing belonging as a measure of success for inclusive programs.
- Launching a working group to improve inclusivity in employment policies, hiring practices, and organizational culture.
- Exploring power, privilege, and marginalization in the U.S. with staff-led Dialogues on Difference sessions.
In-house expertise
For 20+ years, IFSA President & CEO Heather Barclay Hamir, Ph.D., has opened doors to international education for students of every background and created programs that welcome and value all. Her most recent book—A House Where All Belong: Redesigning Education Abroad for Inclusive Excellence (Forum on Education Abroad, 2022, edited with Nick Gozik)—offers insights that helps colleagues embed inclusive excellence in every stage of the study abroad journey.
Inclusive from Start to Finish
Our inclusive focus enhances learning at every step. Welcoming a diverse range of students is just the start. We dig into what it means to deeply explore a new culture from every perspective—including yours. Here’s how we build that journey for you.
Building on your strengths
By taking time to get to know you and your goals, we help you find the right program and experience maximum growth and discovery.
Emphasizing affordability
We put study abroad in reach for more students, with lower-priced program options that include IFSA’s quality academics and immersive experiences, and scholarship awards (33% of our applicants get funding).
Simplifying your search
Our search tool makes it easy to find programs that fit your interests. What’s more, our easy-to-work with Enrollment Counselors are always ready to listen and make suggestions based on your goals and strengths.
Hosting D&I workshops
Tailored to your host country, these innovative sessions provide key insights and perspective to help you navigate, understand, and connect with local people.
Thinking outside the box
Our first-generation scholarship and mentorship program led the study abroad field, creating work-study opportunities that include stipends, guidance, and resume-building experience.
Sharing authentic voices
By encouraging a range of students capture and share their journeys, we’ve collected a wealth of insights to help you choose your program — and make the most of it.
We Meet You Where You Are, Whoever You Are
Straight from our Students
Get a taste of what your peers experience as they explore race, identity, culture, and heritage.
