It came as a shock to me when I looked around the group of my study abroad peers, standing in Rome Fiumicino Airport, and did not see a single black face apart from mine. In that moment, it didn’t quite register how lonely that would feel as the weeks went on. But gradually, when reality set in that, even though I was in this breathtaking place experiencing incredible new memories, I had no one like me to share them with. And when I returned home and reflected on my four months abroad, I asked myself, “Why weren’t there more? Why was I the only one?”
And then I thought about the possible reasons that threatened to deter ME from stepping out of my comfort zone to embark on a life-changing adventure:
- No money (I had to rely on my school’s scholarship and financial aid…a.k.a loans. Ugh.)
- Where would I even start to go find study abroad resources?
- Being the first one in my family to do something so unfathomable. (No one really believed I would actually go until I was, well, gone.)
- Worrying about experiencing racism abroad (I mean, I know it’s inescapable. I just didn’t know how it would impact my experience abroad. Fortunately, it did not. because I did not encounter it. But that’s not to say it doesn’t exist in Italy. It absolutely does.)
- Being afraid (and excited at the same time) to be immersed in a new culture and learning a new language and way of living.
It should not be such an anomaly to see black faces studying abroad. Period. In 2024, it should be a norm. And yet, black students are still systemically disadvantaged in this regard. So how do we combat this?
Here are five tangible ways we can do that:
- Increased Financial Aid & Scholarships – Studying abroad can be cost-prohibitive for many students, especially Black students. Institutions should: increase funding for need-based study abroad scholarships and grants, offer travel stipends and funding for additional expenses like visas and immunizations, and ensure financial aid packages can be applied to study abroad programs.
- Improved College Readiness Programs – Preparing students for study abroad opportunities should start early. Investing in college readiness programs and rigorous academic preparation at the K-12 level can help ensure that Black students are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to pursue study abroad experiences in college.
- Inclusive Marketing Showing Representation – Representation matters. Prioritizing inclusive marketing and promotional materials that showcase Black students and other underrepresented groups studying abroad can help normalize these experiences and inspire others to pursue similar opportunities.
- Mentorship Programs & Role Models – Connecting Black students with peers, alumni, or professionals who have successfully navigated the study abroad process can help demystify the experience and provide practical advice.
- Anti-Racism Training & Safe Environments – Ensuring that study abroad programs and host institutions prioritize anti-racism training and create safe, inclusive environments is crucial.
It’s on all of us – institutions, organizations, communities, and individuals – to break down these systemic barriers. The first step is raising awareness, and the next is taking action. Not sure if studying abroad is right for you? Check out An African American Student’s Guide to Tuscany, Italy.
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