Mentor Advice
Question
How can I do outreach for underrepresented students?
5 Replies from Mentors
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Danilo BonillaInternational Programs CounselorUCLA Education Abroad ProgramListen to an education abroad counselor's advice on doing outreach for underrepresented students.
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Ana CamposAssociate Director, Office of Undergraduate Student HousingUniversity of ChicagoI 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.
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Patrick FrazierDirector of International EducationQuinnipiac UniversityBSA 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.
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PriscillaGraduate StudentUniversity of California at BerkeleyA 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.
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Emily LeDoctoral Student, previously International Programs CounselorUCLAThere 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.