In the United States, Black and African American students remain underrepresented in study abroad programs both in terms of overall participation and when compared to rates of undergraduate enrollment. American Councils is dedicated to bridging this gap by fostering diversity and ensuring that all students have access to international educational opportunities.
Recognizing the hurdles Black students encounter in pursuing international studies, American Councils has prioritized initiatives aimed at enhancing accessibility. The Diversity and Inclusion Scholarship Fund, established in 2016, has provided over $200,000 in scholarships to diverse students for study abroad and cultural exchange programs to date.
Despite progress noted in the 2023 Open Doors Report on U.S. Study Abroad, with Black and African American student participation rising to 5.3% in the 2021-22 academic year from 4.1% in the previous report, a significant gap in representation persists.
As American Councils continues its efforts to extend study abroad opportunities to underrepresented students, it seeks to amplify the voices and perspectives of Black participants. These individuals enrich cross-cultural experiences with invaluable insights, fostering personal growth and paving pathways to success in both academic and professional spheres.
This year, American Councils has the honor of speaking with alumni of the Advanced Russian Language and Area Studies Program (RLASP), the Critical Language Scholarship (CLS), and Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study Abroad (YES Abroad) programs.
A’Yanna Solomon, Advanced Russian Language and Area Studies Program (RLASP), Kazakhstan
A’Yanna Solomon, a second-year PhD student studying Slavic Languages and Studies at the University of Michigan, is an alum of the Advanced Russian Language and Area Studies Program (RLASP) in Kazakhstan. With an academic background in Russian and Spanish studies, A’Yanna’s research pursuits explore media, popular culture, and ethnic studies across Eurasia and Latin America.
Originally from Baltimore, Maryland, A’Yanna’s interest in language learning and international education traces back to a trip to Madrid with their high school Spanish class. This experience sparked an interest in exploring linguistic and cultural landscapes, leading A’Yanna to pursue Russian language courses alongside their Spanish curriculum in college.
A’Yanna combined their language studies with ethnomusicology, the study of music in its social and cultural contexts. While studying at Goucher College, A’Yanna conducted a comparative study on Mexican musical genres and Russian language hip hop. A’Yanna continues this research in grad school, using their time overseas with RLASP to delve deeper into the Central Asian hip hop scene.
“When I was in Kazakhstan, I had the chance to sit down with people and talk about the role of music in Kazakhstani society,” A’Yanna shared that these experiences were not just beneficial to their research, but also helped them connect with people with diverse perspectives and backgrounds. “I got to step away from my work a bit and connect with others on a personal level—establishing these connections was really life changing.”
Beyond their scholarly pursuits, A’Yanna immersed themselves in the local culture, savoring the eclectic cuisine, meandering through the streets of Almaty, and enjoying the musical rhythms of the Arbat. Central to A’Yanna’s experience was being immersed in Russian language. A’Yanna’s already strong language skills flourished, honed through daily interactions and navigating nuanced discussions on identity and ethnicity. Encountering inquiries about their own ethnicity in Kazakhstan, A’Yanna welcomed these conversations as opportunities for cultural exchange and introspection.
“There is a culture around documenting, not just documenting where you're from, but knowing exactly who your ancestors are,” A’Yanna reflected. “I think that having that experience helped me to open my perception of having conversations about ethnicity and race. It doesn't always have to come from a place of malice.”
A’Yanna’s advice for aspiring students considering study abroad resonates with wisdom born from personal growth and resilience. In A’Yanna’s words, “It is not easy. If that's what you're expecting, you're not going to get that. But, oh my goodness, you grow up. You grow as a person. You adapt, survive, and most importantly, you try your best.”
Learn more about the Advanced Russian Language and Area Studies Program.
Kirk Preston, Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Japanese Program
Kirk Preston, an alumnus of the Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program, always felt the pull towards overseas travel. With an appetite for new experiences and a wide range of interests, Kirk eagerly embraces every opportunity for adventure.
Born in Fort Worth, Texas, Kirk's interest in studying abroad began during his first semester at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. Kirk’s plans to study abroad were delayed due to a busy schedule as a student athlete double majoring in Mechanical Engineering and International Studies. When Kirk learned about the CLS Program, he realized it would be a perfect fit, providing him with the opportunity to travel overseas and expand his Japanese language skills in just eight weeks during the summer.
In the summer of 2023, Kirk participated in the CLS Program in Japanese at Okayama University. At first, grappling with the nuances of the language posed an understandable challenge for Kirk. However, his receptive mindset and willingness to confront discomfort head-on paved the path for his growth and success.
“There were no subtitles when speaking,” Kirk shared. “Even throughout the program, we all sometimes found that the conversational speed was too fast to grasp at the first utterance. But that was why we were there, to get to a point where we could comprehend Japanese in a variety of situations.”
Reflecting on his time in Japan, Kirk recounted experiences of racial ambiguity like he had encountered in the United States. Hailing from a mixed background, Kirk highlighted how being perceived as part of different communities spurred his motivation to expand his language skills to establish a broader understanding of various peoples. "I see my background and racial identity as an asset that, with the right skill set, I can use globally to navigate various cultures," Kirk emphasized. "Overseas, the importance behind the concept of racial identity, at least in the American sense, is not as prevalent. What always mattered more was what nationality I was and the flag my country was flying."
After completing the CLS Program, Kirk finished his undergraduate degree while on an exchange program at the University of Twente in Enschede, Netherlands. Kirk was surprised to find Japanese speakers in the Netherlands and used it as an opportunity to practice his language skills. Kirk will soon start a career at Deloitte as a Cyber Risk Analyst. He looks forward to building his cybersecurity skills and remains open minded about his career and travel prospects. “Once I have experience, who knows what opportunities will open.”
When asked for his advice to students considering studying abroad, Kirk says, "Carpe Diem." Kirk, highlights immersion as the most effective method for language acquisition and cultural engagement. “Culture and connection are both built and passed down through language. Students, when they study abroad, and learn the language, will be surprised at how easy, meaningful, and enriching the act of building those connections becomes.”
Read more about Kirk’s time in Japan with the Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program
Learn more about the Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program.
Abby Taylor, Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study Abroad (YES Abroad) Program, North Macedonia
Abby Taylor is a Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Abroad alumna who spent the 2022-23 academic year studying abroad in North Macedonia. Abby applied to YES Abroad to experience being immersed in a new culture and to prepare her for her career goal of working in diplomacy.
Abby embraced the role of a youth ambassador for the United States, fostering cross-cultural connections in Skopje. One cherished memory involved sharing elements of American culture, such as teaching a step dance routine to her peers. Fully embracing life in North Macedonia, Abby swiftly acclimated to the local language and eagerly engaged with the community during cultural excursions. Her genuine interest in Macedonian culture was met with enthusiasm, further enriching her immersive experience.
“When people saw my interest in their culture, they were quick to teach me more,” Abby shared. “I really appreciated it, and their excitement made me feel welcome.”
Abby's journey in North Macedonia was marked by challenges alongside its enriching experiences. While she approached every encounter with a genuine eagerness to understand the local community, she encountered instances where her efforts weren't reciprocated with the same level of openness and enthusiasm.
“I quickly learned that immersion is a two-sided process– the effort you put into learning about the community and the community’s acceptance of you,” Abby said. “Being so visibly foreign as a Black girl in Skopje, at times the acceptance was not always obvious.”
Despite facing prejudice, Abby remained resolute in her determination to connect and engage meaningfully with others. Volunteering was the primary way Abby connected with Skopje's communities. She spent many afternoons cataloging books at the American Corner Skopje, an English library run by the U.S. Embassy in Skopje. Abby also volunteered to teach English to elementary school students and with an organization called Legis, whose mission is to protect refugees' rights.
“Whether that was assisting in sending clothes to displaced people in Türkiye after the terrible earthquake or teaching evening English classes to nine-year-olds with an unlimited supply of questions, these organizations allowed me to help others using whatever skills I had,” Abby reflected. “I am so thankful for them embracing me, and I often think back to my teary goodbyes at each organization.”
After returning to Maryland, Abby didn't let her passion for service fade away. She founded the World Hub club at her high school, taking inspiration from her experiences abroad. As part of her commitment to promoting cultural exchange and community engagement, Abby led initiatives such as storytimes for children of refugees and organized speaking series events. In a recent event, titled "America in Action," Abby interviewed Congressman Glenn Ivey as well as Sherry C. Keneson-Hall, a Foreign Service Officer Abby met in North Macedonia.
Maintaining her ties with the YES Abroad program, Abby actively advocates for youth exchange opportunities through formal presentations and informal discussions. Encouraging others to seize the transformative potential of study abroad, Abby wholeheartedly urges aspiring students to embrace the opportunity.
“I’ve attempted to be an unofficial ambassador to the YES Abroad program,” Abby shared. “Because it was so life-changing for me, I try to encourage others to apply.”
Looking ahead to her future endeavors, Abby's commitment to fostering peace and mutual understanding remains steadfast. She hopes to attend Harvard College next year to pursue a career in diplomacy.
Learn more about the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study Abroad (YES Abroad) Program.
Chelby Joseph, National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y) Chinese Program.
Chelby Joseph is an alumnus of the 2018-2019 NSLI-Y Chinese program. Chelby has a Bachelor of Fine Art’s degree in Television Writing from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. Currently, Chelby is an intern at Last Week Tonight with John Oliver.
It has been almost five years since Chelby returned to the U.S. after her NSLI-Y program in Taiwan. Since then, she graduated from NYU and has interned at various entertainment companies such as HBO, SNL, and Sony Pictures. Although she was initially interested in International Relations, Chelby decided to switch her major to Television Writing after gaining more confidence during her study abroad experience. While her parents have always been supportive of her, she was hesitant at first to discuss this with them. Before the switch, she attended a live taping with Stephen Colbert and asked him how she should approach her parents about pursuing her interest in comedy writing. Fortunately for her, he ended up calling her mom and convincing her himself! She is excited to be following her passion, and notes that she has always had the ‘artist bug.’
Before spending a year in Taiwan, Chelby began studying Mandarin during her sophomore year—the same year the Mandarin language class first became available to her high school. She really enjoyed learning more about the language and culture, and appreciated how her teacher made lessons very engaging. She was introduced to the NSLI-Y program through her teacher and was inspired by the opportunity to leave her small town in Illinois. Her parents were nervous but encouraging, whereas Chelby was excited to see a new part of the world, especially since she knew few people in her hometown who had been outside of the country. Before departing, Chelby felt nervous since she was unsure of how she would be received as a Black woman in Taiwan. However, she found her host family to be very welcoming and an amazing part of her experience.
Although her NSLI-Y experience was years ago now, Chelby still talks about it like it was yesterday. She enjoyed hanging out with her three younger host sisters, describing her favorite memory as when she would pick up her host sister from kindergarten and bring her home where she would prepare dinner and play guitar for her. While she was at school at Wenzao Ursuline University, Chelby joined a beatbox acapella group, which received a lot of support from the local campus. She is also thankful that she had the opportunity to study various topics that allowed her to be creative like the calligraphy class she took. Prior to the NSLI-Y program, she felt a bit shy about some of her artistic interests, such as improv, but she felt braver and began to explore her passions soon after the program began. The sense of independence she gained after studying abroad made her feel as if she could accomplish anything, so she is now unafraid to be open about her interests.
Chelby is thankful to NSLI-Y for providing her the opportunity to form unique connections with others due to the language skills and experience she gained abroad. She enjoys meeting others who speak Mandarin as it allows her to practice the language more often. She has noticed that these conversations often form instant connections with others that would not have expected it. Recently, she began a mentorship program and was matched with a Taiwanese-American mentor, whose family still lives in Taiwan. This allowed her to form an instant and unique connection with him. She feels that NSLI-Y has given her a special ability to make lasting impressions and build meaningful relationships with others.
Despite experiencing homesickness and culture shock, Chelby does not regret a single day of her NSLI-Y experience because she knows it gave her more perspective on life and has made her braver. She encourages others to study abroad since the challenges that accompany it will make them better in the long run. While she can relate to feeling apprehensive about studying abroad as a Black person, she still believes it is always worth it to see the world.
Learn more about the National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y) program.