Virginia universities collaborate to present Black + Abroad virtual series
Contact: Nicol Tinsley
VCU Global Education Office
(804) 828-6463
nctinsley@vcu.edu
Richmond, VA (May 3, 2022) — More than 100 prospective study abroad students around the country attended the Black + Abroad virtual series held April 19-21. The series was a collaboration among Virginia higher education institutions to promote candid conversation and equity among Black students to encourage travel and study abroad. The free program connected students with study abroad alumni, expats and nomads of color to engage in conversation about perceptions of being Black while abroad, funding, travel tips, lessons learned and opportunities for international experiences.
Stephanie Tignor, director of Education Abroad at Virginia Commonwealth University, expressed excitement about the progression of the program.
"I am delighted to see what began as a VCU student-led initiative years ago blossom into what is now a collaborative, highly visible, national event. Its growth is a clear indicator of the need for such spaces that elevate voices of students who are historically underrepresented in education abroad," she stated.
Other participating schools in the series included Shenandoah University, Bridgewater College, Randolph-Macon University and Radford University.
Tignor anticipates the extended program will allow more students of color to seek out study abroad experiences.
"The program's growth beyond VCU will only enable more students (and other audiences) to access the important conversations that take place to reflect on and encourage Black student participation in study abroad," she stated.
With the lack of study abroad returnees from the past year due to limited travel caused by COVID-19, the series welcomed study abroad alumni from previous years. Several VCU Globe graduates were involved in the series including Omar Crockett, Britni Purcell, and Alexis Paige who presented about their experiences as Black travelers, overseas residents and study abroad participants.
In addition, Cydni Gordon, currently a program officer in the Western Hemisphere Fulbright Programs Branch of the Office of Academic Exchange (AE) Programs was a panelist during the "The Study Abroad Springboard: How Travel Can Shape Your Career" discussion.
Education abroad and global learning specialist, Amy Miller, served as a committee member and was instrumental in the planning and execution of the series. As a facilitator, she found the panel discussion rewarding.
"I facilitated the student-to-adviser panel and the energy was so great. The students are fabulous for being vulnerable and sharing their honest experiences," she stated.
For more information about the series, visit Blackabroadva.wixsite.com/Black-abroad.