The University of Denver, a private university located near the Rocky Mountains. With nearly 1,400 students from outside the US. Students come to DU from countries such as Angola, Canada, China, Mexico, Norway, Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom and Vietnam. DU in hope to build a campus environment in which all are welcome. “Everyone must be welcomed and treated with dignity and respect…every person’s story must be honored.” Chancellor Rebecca Chopp said this statement on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusive Excellence.
DU’s Diversity Resource
Center for Multicultural Excellence foster inclusivity and diversity in DU community. It supports students and faculty with campus events, intergroup dialogues, and other resources.
Office of Diversity and Inclusion addresses cultural challenges that impact our academic experience. It aids students and faculty in advancing diversity in our intellectual environment.
Campus life and Inclusive Excellence helps to create a safe, inclusive on-campus environment. They assist students and parents from all backgrounds as they join DU community.
Affinity Groups
The University of Denver supports different groups representing the diversity of our community. For undergraduate groups, we have Black Student Alliance, Asian Student Alliance, Latino Student Alliance, Muslim Student Alliance and so on. From student organizations to faculty and staff associations, DU hopes to foster and support affinity groups of all kinds.
Why DU?
A few days ago, I conducted a survey among 50 international students. The survey is in order to figure out the reason why they came to the U.S specifically to DU. When they talked about the reason why to come to the U.S. 22% students said their parents force them to do so. 24% students said they want to escape from the schooling system in their country. 26% students said they want to experience the American culture. 28% students said they want to master a different language. Learn the different language and experience a different culture is the top 2 reason for an international student to study abroad.
With DU’s excellent study abroad program, around 70 percent of DU students study abroad during their college year. We have around 150 different programs for students to choose. Fully immersing yourself in another culture is the best way to understand it, and the perspective you received from another country can be a treasure through your life. Studying abroad is a chance to broaden your perspective and make personal connections on a global scale. That is the reason why DU promote study abroad program as an essential element of the college experience.
An interview with one of member in Kappa sorority
Ivy song who is an international student in DU. Study international relationship as a major. She joins in a sorority in her second year, she is a super energetic person and tells a lot about her stories happen in DU.
Q: When we get into a new environment, it is hard for us to accept culture from others. How did you decide to enter the Greek life in American culture?
A: “It was my roommate, she rushes me into her sorority at that time. Her sorority is an Asian American sorority. And she was the only American in that sorority. I felt very excited to get in touch with a new challenge. You know to join in a sorority is not an easy thing. You need to spend time communicating with people you met for the first time. You also need to understand the sorority in the rush week.”
Q: So did you got some difficult times at the first?
A: “Yes, it was difficult at the first. I need to balanced the study time with the time I use to meet with my sisters. But the most difficult things is the culture, it was hard for me to understand what they are talking about and their culture. Even now, I cannot tell that I am fullying immersed in American culture.”
Q: How do you see your experience in DU? And what do you think international student group in DU？
A: “ I think it is precious for me. At least I do not regret everything I made. I think international students make the DU more diverse. International students bring new ideas and worldviews into the American classroom which helps the local students learn more about the world.”
Q: In the end, can you tell something about your study abroad experience?
A：“I think study abroad helps me become a real adult. When one day I have to book a flight by myself and handle everything by myself in a foreign country. It really practices me a lot.”
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