Diversity in Newcastle
Diversity & Inclusion
Excited for your trip to Newcastle? We are too! Traveling overseas, especially for the first time is an exciting experience. However, as an international college student, it's important to remember that you are a representative of your home country. To counter negative stereotypes, it's crucial to exhibit kindness, respect, and consideration towards others. Be open-minded, learn about the local culture, and make an effort to adapt to the local lifestyle. Finally, be conscious of your behavior and treat everyone with respect. By doing so, you can challenge and break down negative stereotypes and make a positive impact.
Racially and Ethnically Diverse Students
Underrepresented students in higher education in the US may face similar challenges while studying or interning abroad. It is important to keep in mind that while you may be classified by your ethnicity in the US, abroad you may be initially identified as an American or something else entirely. This means that the people you interact with may have pre-existing opinions and be eager to share them with you.
LGBTQIA+ in Newcastle
Transgender individuals and those with gender non-conforming identities are widely accepted in Newcastle, with strong public support for legal gender change.
Despite this progress in Newcastle, some areas of Australia, especially in smaller cities and rural areas, may still hold macho attitudes and LGBTQIA+ individuals may face ostracism. Each person has the the opportunity to raise awareness and promote understanding of these issues. However, it requires patience and understanding on both sides.
In Newcastle, Australia, the LGBTQIA+ community is vibrant and well-integrated into the city's cultural fabric. The city offers a variety of pubs, bars, cafes, and clubs that are popular with the queer community. While Newcastle may not have a single, prominent gay district, its overall social and cultural scenes are inclusive and reflect Australia's progressive attitude towards LGBTQIA+ rights. The city is known for hosting various LGBTQIA+ events, including festivals and annual Pride celebrations, which are significant in terms of both scale and participation. These events are key highlights, showcasing diversity and inclusivity, and they draw attendees from within Newcastle as well as from across the country, creating a welcoming atmosphere for LGBTQIA+ residents and visitors. Check out these pride networks below!
Religious Diversity
Within Newcastle, there is no one dominant religion that the majority of people tend to identify with. Australia in general is very secular and non-religious. That being said, you can find a variety of places of worship.
Resources
Christian Resources:
Muslim Resources:
Jewish Resources:
Accessibility
At our program, we believe that every student should have equal access to study abroad opportunities, and many students with various disabilities have had successful and meaningful experiences in the past.
While Newcastle generally has accessible transportation and resources, you may still face challenges if you have a disability. However, do not let these challenges discourage you from pursuing your study abroad dream. With a little extra patience, you can still have the experience you desire. Check out this resource below
UoN Disability Support
Other Resources
Creating Safe Spaces: Inclusivity and Confidentiality
We take pride in ensuring that all of our offices are secure and welcoming environments for everyone. Our goal is to foster a sense of inclusivity and confidentiality. If you have specific housing needs, please let us know, and we will do our best to accommodate them. Additionally, we offer recommendations for LGBTQ+ community activities and events in and around Newcastle. For those in need, we also provide access to professional counseling and health services.
Preparing for Your Study Abroad Experience
Maximizing your study abroad experience starts before you even leave. It's important to be open and honest with our advisors and staff about any specific needs you may have. This can include accommodations in the classroom, transportation, meals, support, housing, and more. By sharing this information with us ahead of time, we can work to ensure that the program is tailored to meet your individual needs.