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Diversity & Inclusion Abroad

We believe international education is for everyone.

Diversity & Inclusion Abroad

American Councils believes that diversity enriches our world and cultivates respect for the communities in which we work. We promote diversity, inclusion and equal opportunity, both within our own ranks and among those we serve. We support the diversity of opinion and recognize that it creates a stronger, more effective organization.

We are proud to partner with several organizations in the field of education abroad that promote diversity and inclusion, including:

  • Diversity Abroad

  • The Forum on Education Abroad

  • NAFSA

  • Generation Study Abroad

  • Mobility International USA

We will continue to advance our efforts to recruit and support diverse participants on the programs we administer. Our study abroad programs award scholarships to traditionally underrepresented students, and we also offer assistance funds to support the incidental costs of studying abroad, such as applying for a passport and pre-program medical appointments.

Disability Accommodations

In keeping with an organizational philosophy that prioritizes openness, inclusion, and diversity, American Councils makes all reasonable efforts to accommodate applicants and participants with disabilities seeking to join our study and research abroad programs. Applicants and participants are strongly encouraged to inform appropriate staff of potential accommodation requests as early as possible in order to maximize the time available to develop resources, manage logistics, and collaborate with overseas partners, as necessary, in order to meet such requests. Information regarding medical and mental health, as well as accommodation requests, is not included in program application files and is not reviewed during program selection. 

Firmly committed to ensuring broad access to its overseas programs, American Councils makes every effort to provide reasonable accommodation to all participants. When evaluating requests for accommodation, American Councils considers the participant’s disability, history, experience, request, and the unique characteristics of the course, program, program location, and program requirements in determining whether a specific accommodation is reasonable.

While awareness and understanding of the needs of people with disabilities continue to grow throughout the world, many countries lack accessible infrastructure, services, and laws similar to those supporting people with disabilities in the U.S. Therefore, conditions in the countries hosting American Councils programs may severely limit our ability to meet some accommodation requests, even if these accommodations are provided at the participant’s U.S. educational institution or place of work. When possible in such instances, American Councils will provide alternative placement or deferred admission to a program.