The Center for Global and Intercultural Study (CGIS) acknowledges that the University of Michigan was built on the traditional lands of the Anishinaabeg (including the Odawa, Ojibwe, and Boodewadomi) and Wyandot, past, present, and future. The indigenous peoples granted their land in exchange for a guarantee that education at UM would be equitable and accessible to indigenous peoples and other Michigan residents. CGIS’ staff members hold themselves accountable and responsible in honoring this commitment and dissociating themselves from colonial practices. CGIS is dedicated to providing study abroad opportunities for University of Michigan undergraduate students in order to enhance their education, broaden their perspectives, and expose them to diverse cultures and ways of life. However, our ethical approach to global education is not limited to international experiences, as we recognize that intercultural learning can be gained in our diverse local/regional communities.
