Study Abroad: HBCU Representation Around the World 

The opportunity to study abroad is a luxury that not many HBCU students have access to. In fact, according to the Association of International Educators (NAFSA), only 5.9% of students that studied abroad were Black during the ‘22-’23 school year. Only 1 out 10 students that study abroad hail from HBCUs. After hearing these numbers, you may ask: Why the big gap? Believe it or not, it’s not necessarily the lack of programs. At least 58% of our HBCUs offer study abroad programs. Schools like Spelman College, Howard University, and Prairie View A&M have programs in place with options for faculty-led trips and resources for external opportunities that can count for class credit. Ultimately, it boils down to funding and lack of financial accessibility for the students. While some schools offer scholarships and grants to help with the cost, many students still don’t even feel comfortable to travel overseas or don’t have enough to cover the balance. Despite these circumstances, the HBCU students who are blessed to experience immersive education in different countries have nothing but great things to say. Since women account for 74.5% of HBCU study abroad students, here are 2 students that were forever changed by their study abroad experience.

India Meyers, a recent undergraduate of Clark Atlanta University, traveled to Paris, France with her professor and classmates during the summer of 2023. As a Fashion Merchandising major, Meyers was able to visit numerous luxury fashion houses and truly dive deep into what makes Paris a global style hub. “It was my first time traveling outside of the country, and being in the fashion capital of the world. One of the highlights was exploring the Yves Saint Laurent archives and visiting a Parisian fashion school where we learned about their curriculum and the global perspective they bring to fashion education.” Even though it was an educational experience, her professor made sure they had moments to enjoy the city. From visiting the Eiffel Tower and Louvre Museum, to trying authentic French food, it’s no doubt that India and her classmates took full advantage of the trip and immersed themselves in the culture, all while gaining an understanding of the fashion industry on an international scale.

A current graduate student at Morgan State University’s Earl G. Graves School of Business Management, Ke’Aijah Hawkins-Montgomery had the privilege of participating in the Immersive Experiences in Afro-Caribbean Culture study abroad program, held in Jamaica, at the beginning of this year. Like India, Ke’Aijah was able to visit numerous cultural and historical landmarks like the Bob Marley Museum in Kingston, Boston Bay, and Moore Town. However, her living situation in Jamaica was different; staying in nature-centered accommodations forced her to get more in tune with herself and surroundings. “Each day, our “homework” was rooted in self-exploration. We kept handwritten journals to dive deeper into our thoughts and emotions and created daily video diaries reflecting on what we learned – not just about the sites we visited, but who we were becoming through the experience.” Living off the grid in a different country can be scary. However, she welcomed the new experience with open arms and gained a new sense of clarity within herself.  “This journey helped me reclaim a sense of peace after battling mental health challenges. It reconnected me with a version of myself I hadn’t seen in years.” Inspired by this journey, Ke’Aijah will be traveling to Athens, Greece this summer, with the same business school, as part of their Greece Study Abroad Program. She hopes to learn not only about international business, but about the power of cultural immersion to shape Black students as global leaders.

Studying abroad is not a commonality for many of our students. However, it’s important to expose yourself to life outside of what you see on a day-to-day basis. Not only will it change your perspective on life, but it’ll make you feel motivated to conquer everything you put your mind to. India reflected on her trip by stating, “As a woman of color and an HBCU student, it was truly a life changing experience. It was a powerful reminder of how far we can go with our dreams, especially coming from an HBCU.”