Foster Diversity and Inclusion by Studying Abroad at Our Prato Campus

By the very nature of its mission to provide international experiences to our students, the Tuscany Campus is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion among our University community. As an extension of the University of New Haven main campus, the Tuscany Campus has a zero-tolerance policy toward harassment or discrimination. Local staff receive diversity training aimed at creating a climate that fosters the ideals of civility, respect, and open-mindedness.

Studying abroad can be an amazing and life-changing experience, but there may be times where students abroad may encounter discrimination, whether that be around town or traveling in a new city. While these instances of discrimination may not differ much from the type of discrimination that could take place in the United States, being abroad in an unfamiliar setting can often magnify the impact it has on a student’s experience. For some students, it may be their first time in the position of being in the minority, and this can be an enlightening, though sometimes daunting, reality. The staff in Prato is available to assist students who may face these specific experiences.

While You're Abroad

Diversity Abroad Prato Student Group

The Diversity Abroad Prato student-led affinity group allows our students to get together in Prato to share their study abroad experiences and how they relate to and intersect with their identity. It is a united and intersectional group that represents all students, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexuality, or disability that provides participants a safe space to talk about their own experiences abroad and receive support from one another. The Diversity Abroad Prato group also organizes events that are open to all students aimed at fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment on the Tuscany Campus. The group’s elected leaders are responsible for representing the group's interests to staff in Prato and at the University's main campus in West Haven. If you are interested in participating in the group or want to find out more information, please connect with a Study Abroad staff member.

Diversity Peer Educator

Each semester, the Tuscany campus welcomes a new student to serve as Diversity Peer Educator. This individual receives training through the University's Myatt Center for Diversity and Inclusion and is instrumental in helping to organize and lead the Diversity Abroad Prato Group and in providing support and serving as a role model for all students on the Tuscany Campus. This is a volunteer position similar to the role on main campus that is focused on promoting an inclusive climate and a welcoming community where students can embrace their differences and similarities in a supportive environment.

When You Return

Help Promote the Importance of Embracing Diversity and Inclusion

You can play a critical role in helping to foster a diverse and welcoming environment on the University's main campus in West Haven. Your time abroad will broaden your horizons, expand your view of the world, and instill in you a newfound cultural awareness and appreciation. When you share your unique experiences with your classmates and members of the University community, you will help advance the University's commitment to cultivating a climate in which individuals from diverse backgrounds feel accepted and appreciated.

Learn More

Other Resources

Here are some other online resources to help you prepare for your own unique study abroad experience: