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Our Students, Alumni, and Colleagues Make Black History Abroad
At IES Abroad, we believe that every black student going abroad, past or present, is making black history abroad. Black History Month is as good a time as ever to celebrate that truth.
"As this generation of black college students carves out its own unique path and legacy, our Initiative to Diversify Education Abroad connects them to the world—preparing them for how the intersections of their identities may influence their experiences in other cultures and empowering them to be uniquely themselves in our world," said Gretchen Cook-Anderson, our Assistant Vice President of Diversity Recruiting & Advising.
Read more below about how our students, alumni, and colleagues have made and continue to make black history abroad.
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Aidan Dennis | IES Abroad Multi-Location: Buenos Aires & Santiago, Fall 2017 | Babson College
"From the get go, I could tell that Chile presents itself as more of a diverse society in general."
Danielle Adoghe | IES Abroad Tokyo, Summer 2018 | University of Central Florida
"I didn't feel that my race or background was a handicap at all in Japan. Most Japanese people will see you as simply a foreigner, and nothing more."
Ameer Dunston | IES Abroad Cape Town, Spring 2019 | Howard University
"Systematic oppression produces similar results under different forms in different countries due to different contexts. Nonetheless, this is a problem that must be addressed."
Pheonix Pittman | IES Abroad Buenos Aires, Fall 2019 | Spelman College
"All in all, I think that being a young black woman enhanced my study abroad experience because my identity forced me to think about everything from museum displays to dinner conversations in a different context."
Kandise Le Blanc | IES Abroad Milan, Fall 2019 | Northwestern University
"But when Black people support one another, we have the incredible capability to lift up one another."
Gillian Giles | IES Abroad Amsterdam, Summer 2019 | Sarah Lawrence College
"Being black in the Netherlands involves understanding that there are so many different types of being black in Amsterdam."
IES Abroad Cape Town, Customized Program, Spring 2018 | University of Miami
"It's inspired me to take my time, soak in more experiences, and travel more while I can and then go into the workforce."
IES Abroad Nagoya, 1988-89 Academic Year | Spelman College
"I became increasingly aware of the lack of awareness, on a global scale, of black Americans or others of African descent beyond pop culture stereotypes. I took greater pride in my heritage and my desire to expand others' perceptions. My sense of American-ness also grew during that period."
IES Abroad Milan, Fall 2006 | Amherst College
"The experience ultimately became the beginning of a pattern for me, where travel is my antidote to the complacency of everyday life."
IES Abroad Cape Town, Spring 2018 | University of Rochester
"When you are traveling on vacation, it's like you're saying 'hi' to a place, but studying abroad is like going beyond the small talk and getting to know someone."
IES Abroad Tokyo, Spring 2017 | University of Rochester
"I accomplished a dream of mine. All those essays, struggles for funding, all-nighters on homework to get my grades up, wishing and hoping to make it there safely, and I did it!"
IES Abroad Shanghai, Fall 2018 | North Carolina A&T State University
"While you're abroad, there are varying mindsets, language, and daily routines that make it challenging, but I was ready for the challenge."
Special Advisor for Guinea Worm Eradication, The Carter Center
IES Abroad Vienna, 1960-61
State Health Officer (Ret.), Washington State Department of Health
IES Abroad Vienna, 1967-68
U.S. Ambassador (Ret.) Botswana and Nigeria
IES Abroad Nantes, 1967-68
U.S. Ambassador (Ret.) Cabo Verde
IES Abroad Madrid, 1974-75
IES Abroad Colleagues Reflect on Their Experiences Abroad
At IES Abroad, we have incredible colleagues who can speak to the many ways they made black history abroad—just like our students and alumni. Here's what they had to say:
Recent news & press
A Viennese Fortune Teller Predicted a Life in Theater – Alumni Spotlight José González
Meet José González (IES Abroad Vienna 1972-73 | Santa Clara University) Founder and Director of the Miracle Theatre Group (aka Milagro) in Portland, Oregon. During his time abroad in Vienna, Jose saw his first theatre performance—a Shakespeare production in Stratford-upon-Avon that was life-changing. Studying abroad in Vienna and traveling throughout Western Europe and the Middle East (to as far as Kabul, Afghanistan!) inspired Jose’s passion for theatre. After completing a Master’s of Fine Arts degree in Theatre Arts, Jose founded of one of the most successful Latino theatre companies in the United States. Read on to find out how study abroad inspired his career.
Making Friends Abroad: How These Students Found Beaucoup Besties in France
Worried about making friends abroad? Our Correspondents in France have been posting plenty of reassurances for any of your friend-finding woes.
Five Years After Study Abroad: IES Abroad Alum Ashley Simmons, Brand Coordinator
After studying abroad in Granada, Spain, Ashley Simmons (IES Abroad Granada, Spring 2015 | Brandeis University) went on to become a Brand Coordinator for IES Abroad. Read on to hear how this IES Abroad Scholarship recipient’s study abroad experience allowed her to combine her skill and love for writing to help future students study abroad.
Meet Our 2021 IES Abroad Ambassadors of the Year
Congratulations to our 2021 IES Abroad Ambassadors of the Year: Miles Nabritt (IES Abroad Madrid, Spring 2019 | Bates College) and Emma Bailey (IES Abroad Salamanca, Spring 2020 | DePauw University)
Student Voices - Virtually Interning Abroad while Exploring at Home
We checked in with one of the Virtual Internship Program participants to see what a day in the life virtually interning 'in' Vienna looks like. Marissa H.—a Lehigh University student who's majoring in International Relations and Economics—shared her day with us.
They're Here! Meet The Fall 2021 Correspondents
After a year of the unexpected, we are excited to welcome students back abroad, including our 55 Student Correspondents for Fall 2021!
