Diversity, Identity and Global Travel
Overview of Available Resources
The experiences of each DukeEngage student will be as different as the students themselves. Some students will be placed in locations where they may be considered a minority and possibly encounter challenges or discrimination based on religion, race, sexual/gender identity, ability or other aspects of their identity. We strive to prepare all DukeEngage participants for the location and culture in which they will be immersed — and support them during their DukeEngage placement. If you have any questions or concerns related to your safety or well-being during your travels, please reach out to one of our staff advisors: dukeengage@duke.edu.
Below are some resources that could be useful to you as you plan for your unique travel experience.
Race/Ethnicity
Some DukeEngage students may be the first person of their perceived ethnicity or race to work in their host community; yet others may find themselves among the majority for the first time. While some students have reported minimal differences between their home and host cultures, others have faced complicated cultural assumptions and norms. If you would like to discuss any potential concerns with a DukeEngage staff member, please contact us at dukeengage@duke.edu.
- Mary Lou Williams Center for Black Culture
- Duke University Center for Multicultural Affairs
- African American, Asian Pacific Islander American, Hispanic American, and Native American Students
- Heritage Travelers
- Race Abroad: for Americans of color preparing to live abroad
Read related blog posts below from previous DukeEngage students.
LGBTQIA+
LGBTQIA+ students have reported a variety of experiences in DukeEngage. Some have worked in cosmopolitan cities where they’ve never felt more welcome to be themselves, while other students have chosen not to share their identities with host country nationals due to perceived cultural norms. If you would like to discuss any potential concerns with a DukeEngage staff member, please contact us at dukeengage@duke.edu.
- Duke University Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity
- U.S. State Department
- The Rainbow Special Interest Group
- Gay Travel, Culture, and LGBT+ Human Rights
- OutRight Action International
- International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, and Intersex Association
- Spartacus International Gay Guide (Gay Travel Index)
- National Center For Transgender Equality
Read related blog posts below from previous DukeEngage students.
In this deeply moving account of his struggle to be true to his identity while prioritizing his safety, Indy Rajan describes the careful but difficult choices he made and what he learned along the way.
Students with Varying Abilities
Students interested in applying to DukeEngage are advised to consider their health status, need for ongoing medical treatment, and need for accommodation to carry out the activities involved in a DukeEngage experience.
If you have concerns or questions about the work and everyday life activities typical at a specific DukeEngage site, we encourage you to contact DukeEngage, dukeengage@duke.edu, early on in your decision-making process for information and advice. The team at DukeReach also has many years of experience supporting DukeEngage students who want or need advice about traveling with physical or mental health concerns; please connect with them if you’d like to talk with someone about your unique needs. If you have a disability, we also encourage you to contact the Duke Student Disability Access Office for advice specific to your needs and to understand the process for requesting accommodations.
Women
Prescribed gender roles vary across societies, and the host communities of our DukeEngage programs are no exception. While some women have reported little to no difference in how their perceived gender shapes their experience, others have encountered strict and/or troublesome cultural norms that have influenced their behavior beyond what they initially expected. If you would like to discuss any potential concerns with a DukeEngage staff member, please contact us at dukeengage@duke.edu.
Read related blog posts below from previous DukeEngage students.
Religion
Duke students come from a wide variety of religious backgrounds, and many DukeEngage students find that they don’t share the same religion as their local host culture. While this normally doesn’t pose problems, students may want to consider how they would react to a lack of access to religious services or how they may need to modify their behavior in order to comply with host-culture norms and expectations. If you would like to discuss any potential concerns with a DukeEngage staff member, please contact us at dukeengage@duke.edu.
- Duke Religious LIfe
- Muslim Life at Duke University
- Jewish Life at Duke University
- U.S. State Department
- Jewish Travel Advisor
- The World Union of Jewish Students
- European Union of Jewish Students
- World Union for Progressive Judaism
- Guide to Finding Kosher Food
- The Coordination Forum of Countering Antisemitism
Read related blog posts below from previous DukeEngage students.
Identity-related DukeEngage Blog Posts
At DukeEngage, we understand that it may be helpful for future participants to gain perspective from their peers. Here are a few blog posts from some of our recent DukeEngage students reflecting on their experiences dealing with diversity issues abroad.