An Overseas Market for HBCUs

Black Issues in Higher Education, August 30, 2001

DEAR EDITOR:

I'm in the Air Force, and subsequently have been overseas a couple of times. Because I did not join the Air Force with the agenda of "seeing the world" but to receive tuition assistance for school instead, when I was sent abroad, I was kicking and digging my nails in the streets (figuratively speaking) with as much reluctance as the next person. But both overseas tours were invaluable experiences.

At the (Air Force) base's education center, there were younger brothers and sisters taking classes, both grad and undergrad. However, it's very unfortunate that it was very rare to see an HBCU (historically Black college and university) offering classes. Usually schools such as the University of Maryland and Oklahoma State were enrolling students because they were one of the few schools available.

Overseas has a huge market for HBCUs to take advantage.... Besides there being a good share of Americans to teach and a very good market for faculty and professors to tap, there's also a very good opportunity for an unforgettable, tight camaraderie to be experienced when abroad -- whether it be via staff, faculty, fraternity, sorority, Masonic lodge, etc., or just African Americans becoming friends abroad. It provides, at times, life-long friendships.

I'd be remiss if I didn't mention economic benefits of being overseas. At times, one is paid either with an extra allowance and/or tax free (Saudi Arabia).

It would be nice someday, especially since, as you mention, education is becoming global, to see a graduate of "Howard University -- Africa" or "Hampton University -- Korea" -- just a thought. The market for young African Americans assigned overseas desiring an education via an HBCU does exist.

Best regards, Rob Joell