Diversity, Inclusion, Equity & Access

At Barcelona SAE, TODOS (The Outcomes-Based Diversity Outreach Strategy) guides our commitment to making study abroad accessible, inclusive, and affirming for all students. To support this mission, faculty  play a key role in promoting programs that actively engage underrepresented groups, reflecting Barcelona SAE’s vision of creating global experiences that break down barriers and build connections. By prioritizing inclusivity in all aspects of program design, promotion, and execution, you’ll foster a study abroad environment where all students feel valued and empowered to expand their perspectives. 

1. Representation Matters

To attract a diverse range of students, it’s vital to ensure that program materials (e.g., flyers, social media, and websites) include inclusive visuals, testimonials, and stories. Representation in marketing communicates that opportunities are open to everyone and helps students envision themselves participating. Highlighting diverse experiences fosters a sense of belonging and inspires students to consider study abroad as a viable and welcoming option.

2. Relationships Matter

Building strong partnerships with campus offices and individuals who support underrepresented populations, such as TRIO, Multicultural Affairs, or Accessibility Services, is critical. These connections can provide valuable insights and amplify outreach efforts. Collaborations with these offices create pathways to directly engage students who might not traditionally consider study abroad, while also addressing barriers they may face, such as concerns about access, cost, or inclusivity.

3. Your Course Content Matters

Course design plays a key role in creating an inclusive learning environment abroad. Inclusive course content, reflecting a range of perspectives and voices, demonstrates a commitment to breaking stereotypes in education. Consider incorporating work by BIPOC scholars and centering non-dominant perspectives to ensure diverse viewpoints are represented. Collaborating with the Barcelona SAE Customized Program team to align co-curricular activities with inclusive themes can deepen the impact, encouraging students to critically examine and question stereotypes in global contexts.

4. Engagement Matters

Reaching students effectively requires stepping beyond traditional events like study abroad fairs. By understanding your campus’s culture and attending spaces where students naturally gather—such as study spots, club meetings, or campus events—you can create opportunities for informal yet impactful conversations. This personalized engagement shows students that their voices are heard and that global opportunities are accessible to them on their terms.

5. Program Alumni Matter

Hearing directly from those who have experienced the program can be transformative for prospective students, especially when the testimonials come from alumni of diverse backgrounds. They can offer authentic insights and provide relatable perspectives as well as make it easier to address questions that underrepresented students may hesitate to ask. Alumni can share how their experiences abroad challenged cultural stereotypes and assumptions, underscoring the diverse value of studying abroad. Their testimonials serve as powerful affirmations of the impact and accessibility of these transformative opportunities. If you have no alumni available, Barcelona SAE may provide diverse alumni voices and perspectives.

6. Your Study Abroad Office Matters

The study abroad office at your institution is a valuable resource for inclusive recruitment, helping you connect with underrepresented student populations. They have expertise in addressing barriers to studying abroad and can guide you in creating an inclusive recruitment strategy. Take advantage of their insights to broaden your recruitment efforts and ensure you’re delivering an inclusive message. Additionally, they can introduce you to faculty from other universities who have successfully led programs, offering models of inclusive recruitment, student support, and leadership.

The study abroad office at your institution likely has valuable knowledge about recruiting diverse students and can connect you with faculty and staff who excel at this. Take advantage of their insights to broaden your recruitment efforts and ensure you’re providing an inclusive message. Additionally, Barcelona SAE can connect you with faculty from different universities who have experience recruiting, supporting students, and leading trips abroad.

Your study abroad office can be a key partner in inclusive recruitment, offering insights and resources to help connect you with underrepresented student populations. They may have staff with expertise in addressing stereotypes and barriers to studying abroad and can guide you in creating an inclusive recruitment strategy.