Top 10 Reasons African American Students should Abroad

Top 10 Reasons for African American Students to Go Abroad

By Starlett Craig

1. Expand employment opportunities. According to the Spring 1998 edition of the Black Collegian, www.black-collegian.com, which highlights job opportunities for the class of 1998, the job outlook reflects the growing importance of internationalization. The top 10 employers are seeking graduates who can think critically and also have a global perspective
2. Increase your understanding of the world and our society. We can no longer afford to rely on CNN to tell us what we should know about the world. Changing demographics in the U.S. dictate that we must not only acquire a global competence but we must develop an understanding and an appreciation of diversity in our own country. While study abroad can be a vital link to global competence, it is also an integral part of multicultural competence. (In Understanding Diversity Channing Betes writes: “For centuries, American education, business and government have reflected the culture of the vast majority: white people of European descent. By the year 2000, however, we will see big changes: Out of every 100 children in American classrooms, 33 will be children of color.”)
3. Broaden your experience. Travel outside the U.S. is an education in itself.
4. Meet people from different backgrounds and cultures. A period of study outside the U.S. enables you to meet students not only from the host country but other nations as well. It is an opportunity to forge international friendships, understand cultural differences, and get rid of old stereotypes.
5. Increase your income potential. Study abroad on your resume definitely gives you a competitive edge. Black Enterprise recently highlighted the importance of the African American presence in the global marketplace and the numerous career and business options for African Americans who set their sights on the big emerging markets (BEMs). 
6. Explore new interests. One student went to Mexico to learn the language and have fun. In addition to a Spanish course, she enrolled in modern dance and ballet. At the end of the day, the professor suggested she remain in Mexico and join his dance troupe. After graduating, she opted to continue to see the world and signed up for Bunac’s Work in Britain program. 
7. Learn specific skills that are career related. Learn a second language or do an international internship
8. Gain new insights and outlooks while enjoying new relationships. By living in the country, you get an insider’s perspective on the social and political structure of your host country.
9. Take control of your future. While the debate still continues on the preservation of affirmative action, you will be in a position to compete and fully participate in a global, ethnically diverse workforce.
10. Find out what you want to do in life. While taking a semester off from your regular studies may seem a luxury, it is indeed a wonderful opportunity to redefine your career aspirations in the context of your new self-awareness and newly acquired skills. Many students report that study abroad can be a life-changing experience that can also open many new career choices.

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This article was originally printed in the July/August issue of Transitions Abroad magazine.)

STARLETT R. CRAIG is the Director of Pre-College Enrichment Programs at Clemson Univ. and serves as the national chair of Black and Multicultural Professionals in International Education.