STUDYING ABROAD WHILE BLACK #SAWB

While there has been an increase in the utility and participation of studying abroad, minority students, particularly Black students are being left behind. The purpose of this list is to give African American students an idea of the benefits of an international program, how to they should navigate the process, and why Black representation in study abroad programs is crucial to the advancement of Black Americans. 

Although African Americans made up 14.9% of Postsecondary Enrollment in 2013, they made up only 5.3% of study abroad students. Despite an increase in diversity among study abroad students in recent years, minority students are still greatly underrepresented in study abroad programs.

Unfortunately, as studying abroad becomes more crucial, few low-income and minority students participate. There are a number of reasons that lead to this issue, financial constraints or pressure from family to remain close to home, but there are resources out there to help minority students who wish to go on an international program. Don't let money be an issue. There are a number of scholarships dedicated to helping underrepresented students get the funds they need to pursue their desired programs. In some cases studying abroad can even cost the same amount as remaining at your home university ( sometimes even cheaper). Do some research and talk to your program coordinator to come up with a strategy. It is crucial that African Americans gain global perspectives in order to not fall further behind in the workforce.

Remember, studying abroad is an investment in your future.

Check out these links:

www.diversityabroad.com

www.allabroad.us

Not only are you going to face myths about the notorious American Abroad, but you will also face myths about Black people. Myths and stereotypes don't always have to be responded to with hostility, however. Maximize your time abroad and use these interactions as speaking points and perhaps an opportunity to educate someone about your culture or learn about how their culture shaped their frame of thought.

During my time abroad there were instances when I felt uncomfortable due to incensitive conversations. In one instance I was laughed at for desperately craving McDonalds after a night out (understandable). "Typical American" is what they called me. In addition to the American comments I would get things like " You live in South Central? Have ever seen someone get shot?" My first thought was to call them ignorant and insensitive, then I realized perhaps it is me that is too sensititve. I mean, let's face it, we live in a country where people get ostracized from their work industries for voicing ideas or statements that deviate too far from what the dominant culture deems to be "correct." America loves to erase controversial dissenters from popular culture instead of facilitating a conversation around polar views(i.e. Donald Sterling/Paula Deen). Its like playing wack-a-mole. You can’t just stamp down ignorance when it surfaces. We have to take a systemic approach to learning and nurturing that fosters a global sense of citizenship and respect. This should be done through inclusion, not exorcism.

In order to avoid being the all-knowing, politically correct American, I loosened up a bit so that I wouldn't alienate myself from new friends who really meant no harm. When abroad, you will realize that different cultures have different types of humor and varying levels of frankness and honesty. Studying abroad taught me cultural tolerance, how to take words less personally, and gave me the opportunity to discuss and challenge myths about my identity as an African American.

Going into my semester program in London I imagined the English to be conservative, proper, tea drinking, royal descendants. Upon, arrival I realized they were quite the opposite. I found the English to be open-minded, ready-to-party, Gin drinkers (consequently gin is now my drink of choice). Of course there are the proper Kensington-living, Burberry-clad, Zone 1 'ers, but there is also an amalgamation of people from all over the world who are proud to call themselves Londonders.

Depending on your host country you might get some weird stares or intrusive questions. People may even go as far as to ask to touch your hair or skin because it is so different than their own (or maybe not even ask at all). In American society this behavior would surely be considered inappropriate (which unfortunately doesn't stop it from happening to me on a regular), but I learned to take the stares as a form of flattery. In the beginning it may be a bit off-putting, but have no fear. 

Studying abroad will improve cultural awareness and your ability to work effectively with people from different backgrounds. With the globalized nature of the modern workplace, getting over such hurdles is especially important. The internet and modern transportation systems do a good job of bridging physical space, but it is up to the global citizen to bridge the gaps in cultural understanding.

Participation in international programs, particularly undergraduate study abroad programs is a key step to achieving a career in an international field. Many minority students don’t have international travel experience prior to attending university so participation in a study abroad program can have a significant impact on career trajectory.

Studying in a foreign country is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in a new language and gain the cross-cultural skills that are necessary in today’s global economy. In fact, 65 percent of Fortune 1000 executives identified global awareness as “very important” or “essential” in order to be ready for a career.

Studying abroad should be treated as a vital investment and not a cost. It is an investment in yourself as an economic commodity with high value in a global marketplace ( as hyper-capitalist as that sounds).

I spent some time in Germany while studying abroad and really fell in love with the culture and the city of Berlin( which led to me spending the following Winter Berlin). Upon returning to LA I landed an internship at a German Multinational Company with an office in LA. What helped me land the internship was the fact that I visited the company headquarters while in Germany and shopped the store in 6 different countries. I had a deep understanding of the international target market that I would not have had if I did not study abroad. I am still interning at this office and hope to move to the German headquarters when I graduate.

Again, the world needs more black representation in international and multinational careers. Studying abroad is a stepping stone to open up doors you didn’t even know you wanted to open.