Multicultural Students Abroad

You! What? Where? When? Why?

Of the 904 OHIO students who participated in international experiences in 2006-07 just 71 or 7.85% were African American, Asian-Pacific Islander, Hispanic or Native American/Alaskan.

Many multi-cultural students face a particular set of barriers when considering education abroad some of which are real and others which are perceived to be real. To assist in breaking down these barriers the Office of Education Abroad (OEA) has compiled some of the best resources available to multicultural students into an easy-to-use guide.

Here you will find information on funding opportunities, testimonials from multicultural students who’ve had an education abroad experience, and more.

Student Testimonials: read what fellow OHIO multicultural students have to say about their education abroad experience!

The Center for Global Education: an online resource offering information on funding, planning, discrimination issues, and outreach.  Also includes links to the Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCU) network, Asian Pacific American network, Japanese American Citizens League, Mexican American National Association and American Indian Science and Engineering Society.

Black Collegian: provides several helpful articles for students by students such as: the Top 10 reasons to study abroad, how to create a Global resume, and building global skills through international internships, co-ops and study abroad.

Need Funding?

Check out the Funding for Education Abroad page on our website. It has information on loads of scholarships and grants available to students participating in education abroad programs, including the new OEA Diversity Scholarship which is offered annually to a maximum of five students.

Other sources of funding:

Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship
The Gilman Scholarship is a nationally competitive award available to ALL students in good academic standing who are receiving a federal Pell Grant. This is not just for multicultural students yet many students often overlook this option. OHIO’s Office of Nationally Competitive Awards can assist you with the application process.

PLATO - Project for Learning Abroad Training and Outreach
PLATO is a project run by the Center for Global Education (listed above) and offers resources to support underrepresented students. The website includes details of scholarships and grants for underrepresented students, specific to race/ethnicity (African American, Asian Pacific, Hispanic, and Native American). It also has links to articles from various sources such as the New York Times, written on topics relevant to multicultural students and international experiences.

The Robert B. Bailey Scholarship - offered by CIEE
This scholarship is intended to promote the participation in CIEE programs of individuals or members of groups that have traditionally been underrepresented in study abroad, especially ethnic minority students.  It’s available to CIEE Study Center applicants only. CIEE is an OHIO affiliate which means your financial aid and scholarships can be used to fund the experience.

Diversity Abroad.com
This is a comprehensive study abroad and cultural exchange portal. Their financial aid guide includes information on scholarships and grants, and federal and private student loans.

Grants for Minorities
A website run by Michigan State University offering links to a wide range of education abroad funding opportunities for underrepresented individuals and groups. Some funding is for MSU students only but many other scholarships and grants are available to non-Michigan students.

New! Semester at Sea
In cooperation with Diversity Abroad, Semester at Sea will offer 15 half-tuition scholarships for particular voyages.

And finally…

What will you be called when you study abroad? 
This easy-to-read on-line booklet published by Brown University is a collection of quotes by BU students reflecting on their education abroad experiences. The project addresses issues of diversity in study abroad, including ethnicity, heritage, sexual orientation, religion, minority/majority issues, and physical appearance.