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Mentor Advice

Question

How can I do outreach for underrepresented students?

5 Replies from Mentors

  • mentor picture Danilo Bonilla
     
    Danilo Bonilla
    International Programs Counselor
    UCLA Education Abroad Program
    Listen to an education abroad counselor's advice on doing outreach for underrepresented students.
  • mentor picture Ana Campos
     
    Ana Campos
    Associate Director, Office of Undergraduate Student Housing
    University of Chicago
    I think the biggest issue here is to make sure that other factors - family and cost - are...
    I think the biggest issue here is to make sure that other factors - family and cost - are addressed first and extensively. Some families may have to be convinced that this experience will be beneficial for their child. The ways to afford studying abroad should be discussed openly and extensively. The "critical mass" concept is important with any underrepresented group. The more that do it, that more that will. One suggestion is to create a group of students who have studied abroad whose purpose it is to attend underrepresented student organization meetings to talk directly to them about the reasons why study abroad is beneficial. Reaching out directly to them may help bridge the divide if they are not showing up on their own to informational meetings.
  • mentor picture Patrick Frazier
     
    Patrick Frazier
    Director of International Education
    Quinnipiac University
    BSA on campus, Office of Multicultural Affairs/Minority Affairs would love to have them speak to a...
    BSA on campus, Office of Multicultural Affairs/Minority Affairs would love to have them speak to a group I am sure. Sponsor a popular existing event on campus (Fashion Show, BSA Awards, Gospel Choir, Asian New Year) with time to plug Study Abroad and tell how it is affordable and has scholarships.
  • mentor picture Priscilla
     
    Priscilla
    Graduate Student
    University of California at Berkeley
    A good way to reach underrepresented students is to use on campus informational events about...
    A good way to reach underrepresented students is to use on campus informational events about studying abroad. For example you could encourage students of various backgrounds who have already studied abroad to attend such events so that they can relate their stories and offer advice to any students of color who may feel apprehensive about studying abroad.
  • mentor picture Emily Le
     
    Emily Le
    Doctoral Student, previously International Programs Counselor
    UCLA
    There are a few ways to do outreach for underrepresented students. One would be to collaborate...
    There are a few ways to do outreach for underrepresented students. One would be to collaborate with the Academic Advancement Program on campus, which works with underrepresented students. Another way is to target student groups. Many students want to study abroad but they don’t know how to get started or find funding for it. If you have returned students who are involved in any student organization, you should ask the returnees to talk about study abroad during one of the meetings. The returnee can talk about their experience and mention any scholarships available. Funding is important to most students and it is important that they are aware of all the study abroad scholarship opportunities.