Strategies for Increasing the Participation of Underrepresented Institutions and Students in International Education Programs Building Bridges and Promoting Inclusive Practices

Presenters Lily Lopez-McGee Diversity Abroad Malaika Marable Serrano University of Maryland

Underrepresented Institutions Increasing Involvement in International Programming Lily Lopez-McGee Diversity Abroad

Diversity Abroad Network  Sharing good practices  Creating opportunities for networking  Providing professional development  Connecting institutions to outside partners and resources

Benefits of Partnership  Institutional Benefits  Student Benefits  Capacity Development  Past Performance

Case Study: Training & Sharing Best Practices Globalizing Business Schools Initiative  Partnership between nonprofit organization and eight Title VI funded Centers for International Business Education and Research (CIBERs)  Purpose to promote the internationalization of business education on the campuses of HBCUs.  Several HBCUs enrolled in two classes for a three-year program designed to  Raise awareness of the importance of international and interdisciplinary business education;  Equip faculty with pedagogical tools, knowledge, and experiences to incorporate international content into existing business courses;  Provide one-on-one assistance to facilitate implementation of international business education programs, including assistance with the acquisition of federal grant funds.

Case Study: Leveraging Institutional Capabilities USAID Minority Serving Institution Program  Example of Prairie View A&M University (TX)Prairie View A&M University (TX)  Developing partnerships based on institutional strengths (agriculture) to enhance US diplomatic (aid) initiatives.  Incorporating an international component to existing programming.  Providing research opportunities for faculty and students.

Malaika Marable Serrano University of Maryland Strategies for Increasing the Participation of Under-represented Institutions and Students in International Education Programs Student Involvement in International Programming

Definitions  Students of Color  GLBTQ  Students with Disabilities  High Financial Need  First Generation Students  Non-traditional Majors  Males  Audience Experiences:

Barriers to Study Abroad - Combating the “4 Fs”  Family  Finances  Faculty  Fear

Recruitment  Marketing – shifting to career focus  Strategic Partnerships - first-year programs, multicultural affairs, disability services, veteran affairs, etc.  Interest/Focus Sessions  Media and Marketing Materials  Study Abroad Alumni

Advising  Country specific information  Questions for students to consider when they’re studying abroad  Managing expectations  Exploring the students own perceptions  Pre-departure orientations  Health and Safety information

Support  Institutional structures  Financial Aid  Transfer Credit  Academic Advisors  Disability Services  Scholarships – institutional and U.S.  On-site support  Resident Directors  Host Families  On-site Orientation  Re-entry

Case Studies

 A student in a wheelchair wants to study abroad in London on a program that has a lot of cultural excursions in and around the city. How do you begin to advise this student? What resources could assist you? Should this student study abroad?  An African-American student comes into your office and expresses an interest in studying abroad in Australia. She’s heard from “people” that there is a lot of racism in Australia, and she is nervous about going there. How would you address her concerns? Would you advise that she study in Australia or consider other destinations?  You’re meeting with an openly gay student who wants to go to the United Arab Emirates. He’s been “out” for years and feels that he shouldn’t have to go “back into the closet” when he studies abroad. What concerns, if any do you have for this student? Are there resources that you would share with him about LGBT issues in the UAE? Would you advise that he consider studying abroad in another country?