VIDA: Valuing Inclusion, Diversity, and Advocacy
What is VIDA?
The VIDA initiative concentrates on the impact of diversity and inclusion efforts designed to break down barriers that hinder students with varied economic, educational, ethnic, and social backgrounds from studying abroad.
VIDA Mentors: In an effort to best prepare our ICS students for their study abroad experience, we have created the VIDA Mentors. The ICS has a diverse array of alumni that are interested in offering their support and guidance to new students beginning their study abroad journey. If you are interested in being connected with one of our mentors please contact studentaffairs@ics-seville.org.
Insights from ICS Alumni Experience
ICS Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion: The ICS is dedicated to fostering and preserving a culture of inclusion for students from diverse backgrounds. We recognize that our students contribute a rich array of experiences, perspectives, and knowledge to their environments. As a vibrant and multicultural city, Seville is home to countless individuals from around the world, ensuring you will discover a welcoming community that both embraces you and is embraced by you.
In this episode of our podcast series, The Places You Can Go, we delve into the vital topic of studying abroad as a person of color. Evan Kindle and student guest host, Kashaf Rizwan, sit down with guests, Maygen Daugherty and Hannah Fernander, to discuss navigating the complexities of life and education in a different cultural landscape as a person of color. They share their personal stories, shedding light on the challenges and triumphs they encountered, and the importance of building a support system while abroad. It’s crucial to discuss these experiences to foster inclusivity, raise awareness, and ensure that all students can thrive in international education settings. Join us for a compelling conversation that highlights the significance of understanding and supporting diverse perspectives in study abroad programs.
Additional VIDA Resources and Links
Racially & Ethnically Diverse Students
How is my ethnic/racial group perceived in Seville? What are the stereotypes?
Will there be other people on my study abroad program with my same racial/ethnic identity?
What steps will I take to build community with people of a similar racial/ethnic background in Seville?
https://www.instagram.com/catarsiabcn/?hl=en
https://www.facebook.com/MEZKKLA/
https://www.facebook.com/KwanzaaAfrodescendientes
https://www.instagram.com/raicesuam/hl=en
https://www.instagram.com/hijadeinmigrantes/
https://www.instagram.com/asaaribibang/
LGBTQIA+ Students
Is being ‘out’ and active in the Seville queer community important to me while abroad? If so, what organizations or activities can I seek out that will help me connect with this community?
Thinking about how I nurture and support my physical, mental, and emotional health and wellness at home, are there steps I need to take to make sure I have access to those in Seville?
What other elements of my identity – religion, country or community of origin, race, etc. – inform and shape my queerness at home? What will that experience be like for me while in Seville?
Students with Disabilities
What’s the local population’s attitude towards those who have disabilities? Am I comfortable with being asked questions about my disability? Do I have the equipment I need to accommodate my disability? Will I have access to any necessary medications? Is my medication legal in my host country?
Do I have the equipment I need to accommodate my disability? Will I have access to any necessary medications? Is my medication legal in my host country?
Heritage Seekers
What do I already know about Seville? In what ways will Spain be similar or perhaps different from what my family members or others in my community have shared with me?
If you speak Spanish, how will you prepare for differences in vocabulary, pronunciation, and culture which may arise both in and out of the classroom?
Non-Traditional/Adult Learners
How will my responsibilities/obligations be managed while I am away?
Will there be other people in a similar phase of life as me on my program? Will I be able to build a community in my host country with people who are similar to me?
Students from Rural Communities/Small Towns
What are some of the attributes of a smaller or more rural community that I enjoy? Knowing that Seville is a medium size city, how can I recreate that enjoyment or find comparable resources/communities/opportunities in an urban setting? How have I navigated transition to a new environment previously? What helped me in the past, and how can I adapt or apply that to studying and living abroad?
Minority Religious Group Students
How do I practice my faith at home or while at school? Is finding a faith community or congregation important for my spiritual growth and wellbeing in Seville? What holidays, celebrations, or observances essential to my faith will be taking place while I am in Seville? Is it important for me to have a community or congregation to be with during these times?
First Generation College Students
