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DISCLAIMER 1. How do I pay for study abroad? 2. Will I experience Racism abroad? 3. I don’t speak the language, how will I survive? 4. What should I bring with me? 5. Will there be other American students of color on my program or in my host country? 6. I want to work abroad, what should I do? 7. How much money should I take? 8. Can you give me some tips on safety issues? 9. How do I choose a study abroad program? 10. Should I hang out with my countrymen when I am abroad? 11. I have never been abroad before, I don’t know what to expect, what to do, or how to behave in my host country 12. My parents and friends are discouraging me from going abroad. How can I convince them it will be a great experience? 13. When I first entered college study abroad was not part of my plan, but now I want to go. However, I won’t graduate on time. What should I do? 14. I’ll be away from my families and friends for such a long time, how do I deal with that? 15. Is there anything I should read up on before I go abroad? 16. How do I get a passport? How do I pay for study abroad? If you’re an American college student, you can use your federal student aid as well as any other grants and scholarships earned to pay for study abroad. Check with your school’s study abroad office to find out exactly how much financial aid is transferable to study overseas. There are also a number of scholarships specifically awarded to students going overseas. The key is to plan in advance, so you won’t miss scholarship deadlines. If you plan at least a year to six-months in advance you can save at least $100 bucks a month for your spending and or airfare. You will also have time to apply for all the scholarships you qualify for. Study Abroad can also help you graduate faster. For example, you can get a year or more worth of language credit for every semester you spend abroad. For those students who attend a Liberal Arts colleges that it is a huge help. If you’re a recent college grad or a professional who is a Native English Speaker the easiest thing to do is teach English abroad. Depending on where you go you should take enough money to last a couple of months until you get your first month’s salary. Back to the top Will I experience racism abroad? No one can guarantee that you will not experience some kind of racism abroad. It depends on what country you go to, your attitude, and a host of other variables. There have been reports of African-American students in Brazil sometimes receiving treatment based on the color of their skin. Some students in East Asia and Europe also have reported incidents, but you should not let these things deter you from going abroad. It is important that you not apply your homegrown concept of racism to your host country, it may not be applicable to your new environment. Everyone in the world does not see in black and white. Try to see things the way the people in your host country see things so that you can better navigate through any incidents or misunderstandings that may occur. If you are a student you should always try to go on a program with other people in your cultural group, you will find that that support can be very nurturing and sustaining when you need it. This is Black Study Abroad’s uniqueness--on our program you will be surrounded by many other students from around the country with your cultural background. Back to the top I don’t speak the language, how will I survive? No need to worry! Many students, recent college grads, and professionals go abroad all the time with little or no knowledge of the language of their host country. A few tips:  Jotting down and memorizing a few key phrases before you leave home will help you make the transition. Find someone in your town who is from the country you are going to and have them help you with the correct pronunciation of some survival terms including, names of dishes, directions, how to ask for help, etc. Usually, when people see you making an effort to speak their language they appreciate your effort and are more than willing to help you. Finally, there are so many people studying English around the world, the chances are pretty good that you will always run into someone who speaks a little English to help you if you get into a jam. If not, you will be surprised how resourceful you can be. Back to the top What should I bring with me? That depends on where you are going. If you are going to a “developed” country, you need not worry about finding everyday supplies. Big multi-national companies are selling their products in a lot of places. You should definitely pack special hair care and shaving products, deodorant, floss, curling iron, hair clippers w/converters, etc. In some places, you will be hard pressed to find someone to cut or style your hair the way you want it. Make sure you bring the appropriate shoes and clothes for the climate you will be in. Keep in mind, it is sometimes difficult to find clothes that fit properly, if you can find your size at all. This is especially true if you travel to Asian countries. It is also best to take clothes you can wear in layers, as some countries have distinctive seasons and less bulky clothes take up less space in your suitcases. Don’t bog yourself down with too much luggage. Back to the top Will there be other black people on my program or in my host country? Don’t count on it. African American and Latino students constitute only a small, but increasing number of American students going abroad. However, there is a growing workforce of people of color working abroad as English teachers, and various other professions.BSA wants to help remedy this situation by providing programs that have a significant number of students of color. Don’t worry, you will still have loads of opportunities to meet, hangout, and make friends with people from all around the world. Most American students travel to Europe, but an increasing number are going to Asia and Africa. Don’t be afraid to ask program directors about the number of students of color they’ve had on their programs and about the kind of experiences those students have had and how their staff handled any problems they might have had because of their ethnicity. You should even ask if you could contact past minority participants on their programs. Back to the top I want to work abroad, what should I do? The easiest job to find as a Native-Speaker of English is of course a position teaching it. If you have no teaching experience, you will be okay for some positions as some companies provide training. For example, Berlitz Language Training Centers have schools all across the globe and will train the successful candidates. They are only looking for college grads. To really increase your stock you should look into enrolling into Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) course. There are number of month long courses being offered in a number of places. This certificate is necessary for some jobs, but not all. The best place to start searching for a job is an expatriate (expat) magazine in the local English newspaper of your target country. Most of these periodicals have websites. Here are a few links: Because of the worldwide shortage of professional teachers, if you are certified in the States you can find a position in a different country at an international school or in the local school system. If teaching is not for you, it is possible to work doing other things. Again, check out the local expat papers and mags. Also, networking with black folk already there is a must—they represent your greatest resources. It is important to note, that the jobs listed in periodicals may not always be the best or highest paying, but they get you in the country. Once you begin to meet people and network you will find out about other opportunities available. Also, holding a U.S. passport makes it a little more difficult to find an English teaching position in an European Union (E.U.) country. Back to the top How much money should I take? This goes without saying that it depends on which country you go to. Even if you go to a fairly expensive country like Japan you can still find a lot of reasonably priced food, etc. Find out where the frugal locals do their shopping and frequent those places. Check out the CIA’s fact book for recent figures on per capita income for the country you are going to. Lonely Planet also has some info on tourist prices per day. It will give you a rough idea about the standard of living of that country. You can make your estimations accordingly. In the end, a lot depends on your spending and eating habits. Back to the top Can you give me some tips on safety issues? Actually, there are a lot of countries with lower crime rates than the U.S. Now, having said that never let your guard down in any country you go to. Take the same precautions in your host country as you would at home. In a post 9/11 world you never know. Don’t be paranoid, but don’t be too relaxed either. Try not to draw too much attention to yourself by dressing and acting in a manner that differs from the norm of the country you are in. You will most likely already stick out, so don’t add to it. Back to the top How do I choose a study abroad program? After you decide which place you want to go to based on your interest in that particular country’s culture, language, etc. the decision about which program to attend is important to having a successful experience. If it is your first time going abroad I recommend a program that is going to hold your hand through the study abroad process. The quality of the curriculum, the experience of the instructors, the in-country support service, and program fees are four crucial factors when looking for a program. Ask for a course syllabus, if one is not already included with the brochure. Make a list of the criteria that is important to you. Your list can include the following: price, living conditions, teachers, friendliness and helpfulness of local staff, RD, course work, environment, school, etc.  Compile a chart and make a comparison of the programs that look interesting to you. Again, network with those people who are already living in your target country. Back to the top Should I hang out with my countrymen when I am abroad? This is completely up to you. Some people feel they are cheating themselves if they don’t hang out with local people all the time and work on their language skills and further their understanding of the culture they are in. This is one way to make a lot of progress, especially if the locals you are hanging out with speak little English. On the other hand, If you haven’t already attained a conversational level in your target language you may find your attempts at complete immersion a bit one-sided though. You can feel more like an English teacher than a student. You should balance your time. Don’t isolate yourself from your fellow countrymen, you will need them for emotional support and companionship more often than you think. However, don’t lose sight of your purpose for going abroad either-learning a new language and culture. Back to the top I have never been abroad before, I don’t know what to expect, what to do, or how to behave in my host country? Your first time abroad can be quite an overwhelming experience. You are bombarded with so many new people, sights, sounds, and smells! It is an intoxicating feeling that you come crashing down from. There are a few things you can do to prepare for your inevitable bout with culture shock. 1) Don’t have any unrealistic expectations about what will happen, or how people will treat you in your host country. 2) Read as much as you can about the culture you will be living in. 3) Become an astute observer of the way indigenous people behave and act in different situations. Take your cue from them. Learn what is and is not acceptable. People will respect and admire your effort. People in your host country will give you a certain amount of leeway because you are a foreigner- but don’t abuse that! 4) Befriend a sympathetic local person who can help guide you through his or her culture. 5) Don’t be afraid to make mistakes-laugh at yourself sometimes and be patient with yourself and others. You are in many ways a young kid starting over again - enjoy it! Back to the top My parents and friends are discouraging me from going abroad. How can I convince them it will be a great experience? Usually parents and friends are concerned about safety issues. Ironically, many countries have crime rates lower than the U.S. So, depending on the country you are traveling to, you can point out the lower crime rates in various countries, if that is indeed the case. On the other hand, there are some places that are not as safe.  The US government monitors and issues real-time travel warnings on various countries. If a situation is unstable, you will be informed and evacuated if the situation warrants. Make sure the program you attend has medical evacuation insurance. Also, tell your parents and friends that your decision to live abroad represents one of the most life changing experiences you’ll ever have. You will gain intellectually, personally, professionally, and in some cases spiritually. And because so few Black Americans study and work abroad you will be a unique student and professional. Back to the top When I first entered college study abroad was not part of my plan, but now I want to go. However, I won’t graduate on time. What should I do? Many students are in the exact same situation. I think study abroad is well worth it. The things you will learn and experience will be very helpful personally and professionally in the long run. It is best to go while you are in school because you can take advantage of your scholarships and student loans. You can concentrate on learning the language. Be firm with your study abroad director if they offer resistance to your plan. They are there to help you, not dictate a course of action. Jobs and grad schools will still be there in another semester or so. This way you make yourself even more competitive. Graduate schools look very favorably on applicants who have international and ‘life’ experience. Back to the top I’ll be away from my families and friends for such a long time, how do I deal with that? Being away from family is always a difficult emotional experience, especially when you are thousands of miles away from home. Luckily, the Internet is a great medium for keeping in touch with family and friends. Write a personal journal on the web (weblog) your journal entries can help your family stay abreast with what you and others are going through in a different country. It will help ease your transition back to the States, knowing that your loved ones have some idea about your experience abroad. It will be a learning experience for your family and friends to help them understand your experience and help you with your re-adjustment. Back to the top Is there anything I should read up on before I go abroad?” Because of America’s stature in the world, you will meet many people who are quite familiar with American History, Culture, Politics, etc. It is very embarrassing to be among a group of your international peers and not be well versed with your own country. Also, you will probably want to start reading the newspaper everyday for a few months before you go abroad to become conversant in international current affairs as well as your host country, something the American populous is often accused of being ignorant of. Reading about the place you are going to is imperative. You will appreciate what you are going to experience in your host country a lot more if you prepare. Back to the top How do I get a passport? The U.S. Dept. of State website has all the info you need. Back to the top Got a question? E-mail us at info@bsaminoritystudyabroad.com DISCLAIMER The material on this site is provided as a way to promote discussion about different issues concerning going abroad and in no way are we offering any legal advice. We make no claim regarding the accuracy, timeliness, and completeness of any material contained on this site. Students should be sure to also consult with their study abroad advisor‘ http://www.bsaminoritystudyabroad.com/index.php/52/