After watching the video that Dr. Anya made just for you all, please answer the following questions:
1. Dr. Anya encourages all of you to try and “pursue on ground, local, language experiences”, how could you do that here in South Florida? Do you think Miami offers you a unique multilingual opportunity due to its diverse population in comparison to other cities? Please, elaborate.
Being able to “pursue on ground, local, language experiences” in South Florida is not a difficult task. This is because compared to other cities, South Florida has a large population of people from Latin America, Haiti, etc. As such, on a daily basis, one is able to hear people speaking different varieties of Spanish as well as Haitian Creole. One is, therefore, able to practice different languages because they come in contact with either an Uber driver who speaks Spanish, a Hispanic or Haitian friend, etc.
2. Why do you think Dr. Anya says that it's especially important for black students to study abroad?
Dr. Anya stated that it was especially important for black students to study abroad because there are a lot of new things to experience. Additionally, they would encounter large black populations across the world with whom they share a similar culture/ history.
3. What are some of the things that you think students could gain from studying abroad?
Studying abroad is the experience of a lifetime. In my perspective, students who participate in study abroad programs have a different outlook on life when they return. This is because they were able to “step outside the box” and see the wider world. They get the opportunity to learn and appreciate different cultures; music, language, etc., as well as meet new people. Students who engage in study broad basically get to have fun while learning.
4. As per Dr. Anya, language has been one of the main barriers for black students in the U.S to be able to study abroad. Which other barriers do you think have stopped black students from studying abroad? What are some concerns you have about the experience of studying abroad or navigating life in a different country? How can your study abroad program administrators possibly address or help resolve these concerns?
Separate and apart from language, there are a lot of other barriers that makes black students in the U.S refrain from studying abroad. Some of these barriers are fear as well as the lack of prioritizing. Some of the general concerns about experiencing study abroad is being able to adapt to a new culture. Adapting to a new culture can be challenging if one did not approach with an open mind. Study abroad program administrators can possibly address or help resolve these concerns by showing students videos of other students who have successfully completed these international study programs. It is a possibility that students would become motivated to “step outside the box” and start exploring the world.
5. Contrary to many students’ beliefs, Dr. Anya says the study abroad is not for a “select few”. There are scholarships, programs that will give you credit, the possibility to transfer your financial aid towards your study abroad program, etc. After watching this video, and knowing that there are ways that could help you to do study abroad financially, would you consider doing a study abroad? Where would you go and why?
After watching this video and learning about the financial opportunities available, I would consider studying abroad. If I were to engage in study abroad programs I would consider going to Cuba because they have an excellent medical program. I aspire to be a pediatrician and acquiring a degree from one of the best institutions in the world is my top priority. Studying in Cuba would be a challenge that I am willing to accept because I get to practice medicine and learn a new language while I am at it.
6. Do you think Diaspora focused study abroad programs that highlight the vital role that Africa has played in Latin American Culture and History would be more appealing to black students? The idea of experiencing a sense of “global blackness”—what does it mean to “be black” in other countries and communities— would be the main reason for black students to do study abroad? Would it be for you? Can you think of other valid reasons? Elaborate your answers.
In my perspective Diaspora focused study abroad programs could be appealing to black students because they get to see what it means to “be black” in other countries and communities. This is particularly an important experience because as students we often see documentaries which highlight how black people in different parts of the world are stereotyped. As such, being able to see these experiences in person would be an eye-opening experience.