Navigating the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Disconnect
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.36366/frontiers.v37i1.1074Keywords:
DEI, diversity, Europe, inclusion, study abroadAbstract
Europe remains the top destination for U.S. university students seeking a global academic experience with over 64% choosing European programs. Despite surface-level cultural similarities, U.S. students often face challenges navigating the deeper sociocultural dynamics and differing approaches to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within European societies. This manuscript explores the "DEI disconnect" between U.S. students and European education-abroad programs, where U.S. students arrive with DEI attitudes shaped by U.S. philosophies, only to encounter local frameworks that may not align with their expectations. Through an examination of DEI in both U.S. and European contexts, alongside data from Diversity Abroad’s student survey and case studies from professional practice, this paper provides a foundation for understanding these challenges. We offer actionable recommendations to integrate DEI considerations into the education-abroad lifecycle and encourage further exploration of DEI in global education.
Abstract in Spanish
Europa continúa siendo el destino preferido de los estudiantes universitarios estadounidenses que buscan una experiencia académica internacional, con más del 64% optando por programas europeos. Aunque a primera vista existen similitudes culturales, los estudiantes norteamericanos suelen encontrarse con retos al enfrentarse a dinámicas socioculturales más complejas y a distintas perspectivas sobre diversidad, equidad e inclusión (DEI) en las sociedades europeas. Este artículo analiza la "brecha DEI" que existe entre los estudiantes estadounidenses y los programas educativos europeos: los estudiantes llegan con una visión de DEI formada por la filosofía estadounidense y se encuentran con marcos locales que no siempre corresponden a sus expectativas. Mediante un análisis de DEI tanto en el contexto estadounidense como en el europeo, junto con datos de la encuesta estudiantil de Diversity Abroad y casos prácticos profesionales, este trabajo establece las bases para entender estos retos. Proponemos recomendaciones concretas para incorporar aspectos de DEI en el ciclo completo de la educación internacional y animamos a seguir explorando el papel de DEI en la educación global.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Ariadne Ferro, Jeremy R. Doughty, Lisa Johnson, Andrew Gordon
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