Our Commitment
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility
Every Authentica program is designed so that students of all backgrounds, identities, and abilities can take part fully — and are supported at every stage, from enrolment through the return home. This policy sets out how we translate that commitment into practical support on the ground.
The Foundation
Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
At Authentica, we are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community of students, staff, and partners who together create a vibrant and enriching educational experience. We recognise that diversity encompasses a wide range of backgrounds, identities, perspectives, and abilities, and we value the unique contribution each individual brings.
This policy reflects our commitment to an environment where everyone feels respected, valued, and empowered — and it now includes clear, published standards for accessibility and accommodation, so students and partner universities know exactly how support is arranged before, during, and after a program.
How We Work
Seven commitments that guide every program
These principles shape how programs are designed, who they are built for, and how support is delivered.
Fostering diversity
Programs are designed around genuinely diverse cultural experiences, and actively encourage participation by students from a wide range of backgrounds, ethnicities, and identities.
Promoting equity
Access is widened by removing barriers to participation — including through financial assistance — so a program is available to students regardless of background, identity, or ability.
Ensuring inclusion
We collaborate with university accessibility services, seek input from diverse voices, and build inclusive practice into program design, support services, and decision-making.
Eliminating discrimination
Discrimination, harassment, or bias based on any protected characteristic is not tolerated. Clear reporting mechanisms are in place to resolve concerns promptly and fairly.
Education & awareness
DEI principles are woven into program content, and staff and partners receive ongoing training that builds cultural competence and awareness.
Collaboration & partnerships
We prioritise partners — institutions, organisations, and communities — who share our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Continuous improvement
Programs, policies, and resources are reviewed regularly, drawing on feedback from faculty, staff, and students to keep improving.
Accommodation & Accessibility New
Accommodation & accessibility support
Authentica supports students with visible and invisible disabilities and health conditions. Accommodation planning begins well before departure and continues throughout the program, in direct partnership with each university's accessibility and disability services office.
Accessible housing, transport, and venues
Accessibility is a screening criterion when selecting hotels, host organisations, transport, and immersion venues. Support includes:
- Accessible housing with step-free access, accessible bathrooms, lifts, and ground-floor or proximate rooming where required.
- In-country transport arranged to meet mobility needs.
- Daily itineraries that can be paced or adapted — rest periods, alternative routing, and reduced walking distances.
- An equivalent alternative wherever a specific site cannot reasonably be made accessible, so students can take part in the academic core of the program.
Wellbeing support and access to care
Program staff are on call around the clock and trained to recognise signs of distress, respond calmly, and connect students to professional care. A mental-health crisis and access-to-counselling protocol forms part of every program's Risk Management and Response Plan. Support includes continuity of medication and treatment schedules, help locating English-speaking practitioners and telehealth options in-country, quiet or low-stimulation spaces, and coordination with a student's existing provider or university counselling service across time zones.
Extending academic accommodations abroad
Working with the university and accompanying faculty, we extend approved academic accommodations into the program environment:
- Readings, briefing materials, and itineraries provided in advance and in accessible formats.
- Additional time and flexible formats for any assessed or deliverable component.
- Note-taking or recording support where appropriate.
- Orientation and daily briefings that are clear, repeated, and available in writing.
The Process
How an accommodation is requested and arranged
Disclosures are held in confidence and shared only with the specific staff responsible for arranging support — and only with the student's consent.
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Confidential disclosure at enrolment
Every participant completes a confidential health and accessibility form that invites disclosure of any physical, psychological, or learning-related need, along with accommodations already approved by the university.
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Review with the university
We act on the accommodations the university's disability services office approves, rather than substituting our own judgement for the university's eligibility process.
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Feasibility confirmed per destination
The Program Coordinator confirms feasibility for each city and flags — well ahead of departure — any accommodation that needs a specific venue, housing, or logistical arrangement.
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Arrangements confirmed ahead of arrival
Each approved accommodation is translated into concrete, on-the-ground arrangements and confirmed before the group arrives.
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Support continues on-site
Facilitators are briefed (with the student's consent) so delivery stays consistent throughout the program, with staff on call for anything that arises.
Wellbeing & Safety
Support that stays with students throughout
Round-the-clock support for participants, with staff on call for health, safety, and wellbeing situations.
Of programs run on a Risk Management & Response Plan, including a mental-health crisis and counselling-access protocol.
Window within which any incident report is documented and shared with the partner university.
Identity & Belonging
Support across identity and background
Gender recognition
All Authentica forms give participants an option to select a gender beyond male or female. Housing is arranged to respect students' gender identity, with gender-inclusive rooming offered wherever the destination and venue allow.
LGBTQIA+ students
Programs, partners, and accommodation are chosen with inclusivity in mind, and pre-departure guidance includes relevant local context so students can make informed, confident choices.
Racial, ethnic & religious diversity
Orientation addresses identity abroad directly, and partners are expected to demonstrate acceptance of students from racially, ethnically, and religiously diverse backgrounds.
Faith & dietary observance
Meal planning, scheduling, and venue selection accommodate religious observance and dietary requirements wherever a program's logistics allow.
Standards & Accountability
Prepared, trained, and accountable
Prepared to support diverse cohorts
Staff and in-country facilitators receive cultural-sensitivity and inclusion training and are prepared to support diverse student populations, consistent with the principles of Diversity Abroad and the Forum on Education Abroad Standards of Good Practice. Wherever possible, we include a female facilitator with each group so students have a woman on the support team to turn to.
A clear channel for concerns
Any concern relating to discrimination, harassment, or inclusion can be raised at diversity@authentica.com. Reports are documented, addressed promptly, and shared with the partner university, with incident reports provided within 48 hours.
Equity in Practice
Removing the cost barrier
Equitable access means addressing cost, not just intent. Through the Authentica SCALE Scholars program and other financial options, we work to lower the barriers that keep students from participating — so that a program's benefits reach the widest possible range of students.
Explore financial optionsGet in Touch
Discuss support for a specific student
We will work with you and your accessibility office to confirm what is possible for your program, destination, and cohort.
Resources on diversity, equity, and inclusion
A curated collection of external resources and links to help students embrace their identity and prepare for a fulfilling experience abroad — spanning general preparation, financial aid, and identity-specific guidance.
Explore resourcesContacts
Related policies & contacts
General enquiries
Speak with our team about a program or partnership.
info@authentica.com+1 800 414 4138
This policy is reviewed regularly and updated to reflect feedback from students, faculty, and partner universities. Specific accommodations are confirmed per program, destination, and cohort, in coordination with each university's accessibility and disability services office.