Diversity in the Gold Coast
Diversity & Inclusion
Excited for your trip to Gold Coast? 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. Also, show that you are environmentally conscious and knowledgeable about other cultures. 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 Gold Coast
The Gold Coast has made significant progress in terms of LGBTQIA+ rights. There are numerous LGBTQIA+ organizations operating throughout the country and in 2017, marriage was redefined to include same-sex couples, and as of 2018 all states and territories allow adoption by same-sex couples. Transgender individuals and those with gender non-conforming identities are widely accepted on the Gold Coast, with strong public support for legal gender change.
Despite this progress, some areas of Gold Coast, especially in smaller cities and rural areas, may still hold macho attitudes and LGBTQIA+ individuals may face ostracism. Each person has the opportunity to raise awareness and promote understanding of these issues. However, it may require patience and understanding on both sides.
Queer Culture in Australia's major cities boast vibrant queer communities, complete with lively gay districts featuring several pubs, bars, cafes, and clubs. Key areas to explore on the Gold Coast include dedicated gay bar, The Chameleon, which opened in 2021 and the many events put on by GC Rainbow communities. While widely accepted, the city of Brisbane, just 1 hour away, has a larger population and more of a bustling gay community than the Gold Coast offers.
The Australian populace is generally open-minded, and LGBTQIA+ visitors will find a warm reception throughout the country. Additionally, Australia hosts LGBTQIA+ festivals and annual Pride celebrations that draw hundreds of thousands of attendees. The largest queer district in Australia is Kings Cross in Sydney. Sydney is dubbed to be one of the most gay-friendly cities in the world and is host to the Mardi Gras festival that runs mid to the end of February each year.
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 Gold Coast. For those in need, we also provide access to professional counseling and health services.
Religious Diversity
Within the Gold Coast, there is no one dominant religion that the majority of people tend to identify with. The Gold Coast is an extremely diverse modern community with people from all over Australia and the world coming to visit and to live. The number and variety of local churches, mosques, temples and other places of worship throughout the region are testament to this diversity. Many people on the Gold Coast also do not identify with one specific religion at all.
You can find churches and places of worship on the Gold Coast for many faiths including Bahai, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Islam, Jehovah's Witness and Jewish, among others.
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 studying abroad in the past.
While the Gold Coast generally has accessible transportation and resources, you may still face challenges if you have a disability. Keep in mind that many cities can have smaller apartments and elevators and uneven streets and sidewalks, which may be particularly challenging for students with mobility difficulties. 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.
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.
Resources