Rooted in the liberal arts tradition, Arcadia Abroad is an educational organization promoting engagement with the complexity of the world around us. We are dedicated to fostering an equitable and inclusive environment for our diverse global community. In the face of an increasingly torn world, it is essential that we reaffirm our steadfast commitment to practicing equity-mindedness and striving for inclusive excellence. Our mission is to prepare students for lives of meaningful contribution to their local, national and global communities and we are therefore devoted to creating an environment where all people associated with Arcadia Abroad – students, faculty, staff, institutional partners and community members – feel valued, respected, supported and empowered, regardless of their backgrounds, identities or beliefs.
Studying abroad is a powerful experience that helps to prepare students for lives of meaningful contribution to their local, national and global communities. That’s why we prioritize:
A diverse and inclusive community amplifies learning, strengthens connections, and encourages empathy. At Arcadia Abroad, we aim to provide every student—regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, or ability—the opportunity to grow academically, personally, and culturally through study abroad.
In recent years, study abroad programs have increasingly welcomed students from diverse backgrounds and we are proud to lead efforts in creating spaces where all individuals feel respected and supported. We invite all members of our community—students, faculty, and staff—to join us in creating a place where every voice is valued and every experience matters.
Studying abroad is an opportunity not only to learn about other cultures and societies, but also to gain new insights about yourself. We encourage students to approach this experience with curiosity and openness, discovering how their identity influences and enriches their global experience. These moments of self-discovery often lead to meaningful connections, new perspectives, and lasting friendships.
Our commitment to inclusive excellence extends to our global team to ensure all students feel welcomed and supported. We provide comprehensive training for staff in both the U.S. and abroad, focusing on inclusive perspectives, competencies, and practices to support students from all backgrounds. This training ensures that every student’s study abroad experience is safe, inclusive, and positive.
Inclusive excellence is not just a guiding principle for Arcadia Abroad—it is the foundation of our work. Our initiatives include:
Arcadia Abroad’s Council on Inclusive Excellence (CIE) includes staff and faculty across the organization who work together to advocate for inclusion in the work we do and in the programs we provide for students. The members of CIE help guide the inclusion work across all of our Centers around the world.
Our journey to create a more inclusive study abroad experience is ongoing. We invite you to join us as we continue to grow, learn, and celebrate the unique perspectives that make studying abroad so impactful.