Diversity in London
Diversity & Inclusion
Excited for your trip to London? We are too! Traveling overseas, especially for the first time, is an exciting experience. However, as an international college student, it's important to remember that you are a representative of your home country. To counter negative stereotypes, it's crucial to exhibit kindness, respect, and consideration towards others. Also, show that you are environmentally conscious and knowledgeable about other cultures. Be open-minded, learn about the local culture, and make an effort to adapt to the local lifestyle. Finally, be conscious of your behavior and treat everyone with respect. By doing so, you can challenge and break down negative stereotypes and make a positive impact.
Racially and Ethnically Diverse Students
Underrepresented students in higher education in the US may face similar challenges while studying or interning abroad. It is important to keep in mind that while you may be classified by your ethnicity in the US, abroad you may be initially identified as an American or something else entirely. This means that the people you interact with may have pre-existing opinions and be eager to share them with you.
LGBTQIA+ in England
According to the most recent census in England and Wales, approximately 3.2 percent of the population identified with an LGB+ sexual orientation, or approximately 1.5 million people. 0.5 percent of the population, around 262,000 people, identified with a different sex from the one they were registered with at birth. The actual size of the UK's LGBTQ+ community is likely much larger than these figures indicate, due to the voluntary nature of these questions, and the fact that surveys only count those aged 16 or over.
Queer Culture in the United Kingdom’s major cities boast vibrant queer communities, complete with lively gay districts featuring a plethora of pubs, bars, cafes, and clubs, such as Soho in London.
The English are generally open-minded, and LGBTQIA+ visitors will find a warm reception throughout the country. Additionally, England hosts remarkable LGBTQIA+ festivals and annual Pride celebrations that draw hundreds of thousands of attendees, with the London Pride parade and the Brighton Pride parade ranking among the world's most famous.
To find out about LGBTQIA+ groups and stay connected, please visit: LGBT+ Groups & Support near me | Age UK
Creating Safe Spaces: Inclusivity and Confidentiality
We take pride in ensuring that all of our study abroad sites are secure and welcoming environments for everyone. Our goal is to foster a sense of inclusivity and confidentiality. If you have specific housing needs, please let us know, and we will do our best to accommodate them.
Religious Diversity
Within the United Kingdom, there is no one dominant religion that the majority of people tend to identify with. In England you will find a variety of places of worship where people can gather with many churches and temples. Church of England, Catholicism, Sikhism, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism and Hinduism are some of the more popular religions that people identify with.
Accessibility
At our program, we believe that every student should have equal access to study abroad opportunities, and many students with various disabilities have had successful and meaningful experiences in the past.
While England generally has accessible transportation and resources, you may still face challenges if you have a disability. Keep in mind that London is a big city and apartments tend to be smaller and have smaller elevators. Some neighborhoods may also have uneven streets and sidewalks, which may be particularly challenging for students with mobility difficulties. However, do not let these challenges discourage you from pursuing your study abroad dream. With a little extra patience, you can still have the experience you desire.
Preparing for Your Study Abroad Experience
Maximizing your study abroad experience starts before you even leave. It's important to be open and honest with our advisors and staff about any specific needs you may have. This can include accommodations in the classroom, transportation, meals, support, housing, and more. By sharing this information with us ahead of time, we can work to ensure that the program is tailored to meet your individual needs.
Resources