Equity Resources

The Center for Study Away supports all students in pursuing opportunities for intellectual and personal growth while recognizing that each experience studying away is unique. Who you are, how you see yourself, and how others perceive you will shape your interactions and opportunities.

Your identity may present challenges if perceived differently by your host community, but it can also create meaningful connections. Before departure, consider how your identities intersect and may shift abroad—you might experience being in the majority or minority, face stereotypes, or encounter curiosity. These moments can be difficult but also lead to friendships and deeper self-understanding.

If you are part of a historically marginalized group, the skills you already use to navigate dominant cultures can be powerful tools while studying away. These strengths can help you adapt to new environments—wherever you go, your identity can be a source of connection, resilience, and discovery.

Equity Resources by Topic

We have organized information and resources into the following topic areas. Each link will take you to a page that provides you with things to think about, questions to consider, and additional resources to assist you as you select a location and prepare for your study away experience. There is no ‘right answer’ or ‘perfect fit’ when considering these topics, and the CSA staff are here to support you and help identify resources as you explore your options. We understand that some of these topics are personal and that you might not want to discuss them. However, we invite you to engage with us or others on campus as you consider how these topics may impact your study away experience.

We are grateful to the following Macalester departments for their collaboration and assistance in developing this content: Lealtad-Suzuki Center for Social Justice, Gender and Sexuality Commons, International Student Programs, Center for Religious and Spiritual Life, and Center for Disability Resources.

We also appreciate the contributions of the following institutions which helped provide inspiration for our work in this area: Carleton College, University of California, Santa Cruz, University of St. Thomas, Michigan State University, Northwestern University, Kenyon College, University of Vermont, and University of California, Los Angeles.