(Insert Your Country) & Study Abroad: Now More Than Ever Your Institution, Department, Your Name, Title

Introduction In this slide you will want to introduce yourself And tell the audience where you are from and why you are in America. In the next couple of slides you will want to tell the audience more about your home country in greater length.

My Region of the World Add pictures and information about your region of the world (ex. Southeast Asia, Europe, Middle East, Latin America, Western Africa, etc.)

(Your home country) In this slide you will want to describe your home country. Give some demographics and statistical information about your country such as geography, ethnicities, prominent religions, languages spoken, and personal overview of your home country.

(Your home country) Continue to introduce the audience to the lifestyle and culture of your specific country and emphasize how life differs outside of the U.S. The likelihood that your audience has traveled to your home country is slim, so they will be curious as to what you have to say, so do not hesitate to add ample descriptions.

Attractions Mention here different attractions to your country-both physical and intangible. Include picture of a landmark or just a picture you are fond of at home.

My City Add pictures and information about city views, your friends, where you went to school, places in your community, etc.

Culture Have a slide here about your culture of your home country and how it differs from culture in the U.S. Perhaps you want to include differences in lifestyle, food, dress etc.

Living in (home country) Here you might want to tell a little bit about your living arrangements at home. Describe what your home life is like-how it may differ from the stereotypical home life in the U.S. You can describe physical differences( ex. houses or the community may be structured differently etc.) or describe the cultural differences in home life (ex. maybe the eating hours are different etc.). Show a picture of typical living in your country.

Getting Started One way to experience [Insert Home country name] in Africa is through Study Abroad! Applications for programs are generally due well in advance. Start by researching the options available by visiting the Study Abroad office and speaking with a program advisor one year before you would like to travel.

11 To gain a new perspective on your own country Reasons For African American/ Black Students to Study Abroad See the U.S. with new eyes. Being immersed in one country tends to give us a limited view of our world. Traveling outside the country will show you how America affects and fits into all of humanity. By being exposed to so many diverse traditions you will understand the significance of keeping your own traditions alive.

12 To explore your heritage Reasons For African American/ Black Students to Study Abroad Getting in touch with your familys heritage can be another strong motivation to study abroad. Many African-Americans, report tremendous educational and personal benefits from exploring countries where their families have roots. Studying abroad can provide you with an opportunity to learn about your own ethnicity and to explore your own identity.

13 Reasons For African American/ Black Students to Study Abroad Many well-known African-Americans have traveled Africa extensively to get in touch with their heritage. The renowned poet and author Maya Angelou (I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, 1970), as well as influential celebrities like Oprah Winfrey, have spent significant time in Africa exploring their heritage and teaching others about the importance of spending time in Africa.

14 To improve your professional and financial potential Reasons For African American/ Black Students to Study Abroad International experience is a critical and impressive part of any resume. In addition to the personal growth youll undergo while overseas, the international and cross-cultural skills youll develop will certainly expand your employment opportunities and, consequently, your income potential. Many companies seek out individuals with multi-lingual and multi-cultural experience and skills.

15 To become a fulltime learner Reasons For African American/ Black Students to Study Abroad Many students who go abroad report that in addition to enjoying and learning in their classes during the week, they learn some of the most valuable lessons outside of the classroom. Weekend excursions to museums and cultural sites also add to your academic and personal growth. You learn to interact with people who may not necessarily think or communicate like you. While in a foreign country, even mundane activities – like shopping for groceries –become educational experiences.

16 To gain new insights and outlooks through relationships Reasons For African American/ Black Students to Study Abroad Study abroad returnees often report meeting others with whom they expected to have no common ground, and then discovering that, despite being from different parts of the globe, they have much in common and much to learn from one another. These relationships, insights, and outlooks are a critical part of the study abroad experience.

17 To fight stereotypes by educating others Reasons For African American/ Black Students to Study Abroad There is a distinct challenge African-Americans face abroad. Many other cultures only have experience with African-Americans through the American media (i.e. news, sports, music, and movies). African-American students may become frustrated when the same stereotypes from home follow them overseas. However, this is also a unique opportunity to educate others about who you are as an individual and as a group. This is your chance to be an individual, as well as a representative of your culture, and to encourage positive understanding of global diversity.

18 To dispel your own stereotypes Reasons For African American/ Black Students to Study Abroad Frederick Douglass, the renowned abolitionist of the 19th century, once said Men who travel should leave their prejudices at home. In addition to serving as a cultural ambassador to dispel others misconceptions, studying abroad gives you a chance to break down some of your own stereotypes about other countries and peoples. Not only will you have the chance to immerse yourself in another culture, you will also meet people from different backgrounds and make personal connections with people whom you may have never expected.

19 To take control of your future Reasons For African American/ Black Students to Study Abroad During your time abroad, you will be exposed to countless different experiences that may influence the rest of your life. The vast majority of study abroad students report feeling more independent, self-confident, and knowledgeable of the world around them. After studying abroad, you may find your travels have had a profound influence on your career or personal goals. If you wish to continue with your higher education into either a masters or a doctorate, study abroad experience will give an edge on the competition.

20 Reasons For African American/ Black Students to Study Abroad Paul Robeson, lawyer, actor, singer, activist. He traveled extensively around the world to perform and promote cultural understanding. Alice Walker, activist and author of The Color Purple, spent time in Uganda.

21 You cannot fully understand your own life without knowing and thinking beyond your life, your own neighborhood, and even your own nation. Dr. Johnetta Cole President of Bennett College for Women in Greensboro Reasons For African American/ Black Students to Study Abroad

22 I remember teaching a young woman from Timishoara, Romania, who had been through as a 13-year old, some of the worst violence in Romania during the December Revolution. She wanted to know whether in segregated Birmingham in 1963 during violence I had experienced something like she had where young children had been killed. And I told her about my experience in losing a little classmate, Denise MacNair, in the church that was bombed at 16th Street in September of And I suddenly realized that across this vast divide from Romania to Birmingham, Alabama, there was a common experience that brought us together. Condoleezza Rice, Former Secretary of State Reasons For African American/ Black Students to Study Abroad

23 The focus which I found [as an international student] has never failed me… Perhaps it was that experience that set me on the road to where I am now. Kofi Annan Former UN Secretary-General 2001 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Reasons For African American/ Black Students to Study Abroad

Why Study Abroad in Africa… Now that students have heard various reasons to study abroad, you can help to inspire them and personalize your presentation by telling them what motivated you to study in the U.S. as someone from Africa. What you have gained from your experience so far and how it will help you with life your goals? You may offer a unique perspective, or what ultimately made you study in the U.S. might be what a student needs to hear to decide to study abroad themselves.

Where Can You Go?

North Africa

27 Western Africa

Eastern Africa

29 Southern Africa

30

Develop Your Global Competencies Through Study Abroad! To find out how you can study abroad, please contact: Name of Your Institution Office of Study Abroad Location Contact Information

How To Get There Talk to your parents Visit your school counselor and see what programs are available Apply for a program Get your passport

Tools for Finding a Program Home Campus Study Abroad Office/Resource Center: The best place to look for a study abroad program is your U.S. home campus study abroad office (where available). The staff can help you through the process of finding a program, applying, participating, and returning home. Reference Books: The following is a comprehensive reference book which is updated each year: Petersons Study Abroad

Tools for Finding a Program Summer Study Abroad, IIE Academic Year Abroad, and IIE Short-Term Study Abroad. They include detailed explanations and descriptions of many study abroad programs. Websites: There are a number of websites with information about available study abroad programs. Some websites we recommend are: Studyabroad.com, Goabroad.com, IIEPassport, and Petersons

Funding Your Study Abroad Financial Aid At many institutions, financial aid transfers to Study Abroad Programs Scholarships Advance Planning and Budgeting

Advancing Tolerance and Understanding Clearly, we need to use education to advance tolerance and understanding. Perhaps more than ever, international understanding is essential to world peace- understanding between faiths, between nations, between cultures. Today, we know that just as no nation is immune to conflict or suffering, no nation can defend itself alone. We need each other- as friends, as allies, as partners- in a struggle for common values and common needs. Kofi Annan, Former U.N. Secretary General

Preparing For Your Future In the 21 st Century, there will be only two kinds of people: Those who think globally and those who are looking for work. Peter F. Drucker Writer, Management Consultant, Professor

Questions??? Offer here to answer any questions they may have about your home country, study abroad, life back home, or how life is for you being a foreigner living and studying in the U.S. You will want to come prepared to answer questions so consider these issues in advance and how you may want to respond to these concerns.