Diversity Abroad Releases Findings of Fourth Annual Survey of Diversity & Inclusion Among International Educators

BERKELEY, Calif., Jan. 19, 2022 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- For over 15 years, Diversity Abroad has led the field of international education and cultural exchange in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion by providing professional learning opportunities, critical resources, and insights that promote systemic change.

The 2021 survey garnered responses from 497 professionals working in international education and cultural exchange around the world, roughly the same number of respondents as the inaugural 2018 survey. The lower response rate is likely due to the global pandemic, which halted nearly all day-to-day operations of organizations and institutions reliant on international travel and exchange in the past year.

"The global pandemic and the ongoing shifts in the labor market have had a significant impact on the field of international education and exchange" says Andrew Gordon, CEO & Founder of Diversity Abroad. "It is even more urgent that we gain insight into the backgrounds and experiences of professionals in the field so that collectively we can build a culture of belonging and inclusion that will shape a more equitable and thriving profession."

Similar to past years, women continue to represent the largest percentage in the respondent pool at 74.5% of the respondents, while 23.5% self-identified as male and 1.2% self-identified as non-binary/third gender. Of the respondent pool, 69.0% identified as White and 27.6% identified as being from historically underrepresented racial/ethnic populations. The majority identified as heterosexual or straight (76.5%). Millennials (1980–2000) made up the largest proportion of respondents at 57.7%, followed by those identifying as Generation X (1965–1979) at 29.3%. More than three-quarters of the respondent pool indicated they had studied abroad (78.8%) and one-third (33.4%) self-identify as Christian. A little more than a quarter (28.3%) of those who responded identified themselves as the first in their family to complete a college degree.

The 2021 survey included again questions around organizational/institutional priorities with respect to diversity and inclusion and creating a sense of belonging in the workplace. The majority of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that they feel like they can bring their whole selves to work (68.4%). Emerging themes surrounding access, diversity, inclusion, and equity from the respondent pool focused on concern for institutional and student-level funding, and embedding inclusive and equitable practices into the daily activities of their offices and organizations that effect systematic change.

As the leading organization dedicated to advancing diversity and inclusive policies and practices in international education and cultural exchange, Diversity Abroad launched the annual survey to help institutions and organizations make informed decisions on how we hire, develop professionals, and create inclusive employment practices in our offices, organizations, and institutions.

To access the full report, go to:https://www.diversitynetwork.org/Resources-Services/Insights-Publications/Research-Reports

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Wagaye Johannes, Diversity Abroad, +1 510-982-0635 Ext: 702, [email protected]

Lily Lopez-McGee, Diversity Abroad, 5109820635 707, [email protected]

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SOURCE Diversity Abroad