Going global; traditionally, the percentage of African American students who studied abroad has been low; however, university officials are looking into ways to increase those numbers - Special report: international education

Black Issues in Higher Education, May 9, 2002 by Linda Meggett Brown

As for other masons some students don't study abroad, "Sometimes students don't want to interrupt the flow of education and relationships with their cohorts," Wanton says. "Students are very comfortable and some have a fear of flying."

AN INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTION

Meanwhile, historically Black Dillard University is working to provide its students and faculty with international opportunities. Two years ago its president and provost began the campaign to make the school an international institution. International studies have been incorporated into every phase of the academic divisions.

Before April 2000, approximately 10 Dillard students participated in study abroad programs. This year 50 to 60 students participated. That's significant when you consider enrollment is 2,000 students, says Dr. Anthony Pinder, associate dean of Global Studies and director for the International Center for Economic Freedom at Dillard University in New Orleans. The goal is for 50 percent of Dillard's students to travel abroad before graduation. Pinder's recruitment begins with the freshman class.

"We want all of our students to have an international experience," Pinder says. "We've incorporated study abroad into every aspect of education here.

"We have faculty who don't have international experience," he adds. "About three-fourths don't have passports. We must find ways to entice faculty to travel and visit other countries."

Pinder says college administrators must work harder to move Black students into the international arena, adding that in many cases international programs are haphazardly put together.

"Many scholarships are out there and our students are not applying," Pinder says. "My colleagues at other schools don't know and aren't aware of programs out there. This is not only an HBCU issue. A lot of colleges don't have programs and don't belong to organizations."

Dillard's incorporation of international studies into every aspect of the university, including encouraging faculty travel abroad, has paid off. More Dillard students are studying abroad.

The major hindrance for students is information, Pinder concludes. "We have to market the programs and articulate the benefits of studying abroad instead of using `it's global, it's a new millennium,' the broad cliches. We want our kids to be competitive, whether on majority campuses or HBCUs," Pinder says.

Just Recently ...

* Bethune-Cookman College (Fla.) and the College of the Bahamas signed an articulation agreement to foster international cooperation in educational pursuits and research between the two colleges in the hospitality and tourism studies area.

* Hampton University School of Nursing (Va.) signed an articulation agreement with Bermuda College in Bermuda to offer nursing as a major. The articulation agreement provides for a two-plus-two program in which students will attend Bermuda College for two years and a summer prior to transferring to Hampton University.