Supporting LGBTQ+ Study Abroad Students: Questions and Resources

Please note that in this blog, we often use the plural “they/them/theirs” when referring to all prospective study abroad students.

LGBTQ+ students who go abroad face questions when evaluating study abroad options and opportunities. Before considering a study abroad experience, each student should consider how his/her/their program prospects will support him/her/them throughout his/her/their international experience experience.  

Students will confront questions throughout their experience abroad, and the questions to support each of them during pre-departure and throughout their respective experience abroad below:

PRONOUNS: How do students identify and what pronouns do they use? 

The way that students see themselves and their identity matter to us. Our team members identify their own pronouns in their emails. All of our study abroad students are encouraged to share their own in their emails as well so everyone feels comfortable with sharing their identity.  

COMING OUT: Do students want to share their identity as a member of the LGBTQ+ community? How can students go about doing this? 

When it comes to the identity of our students, who they are, and how each of them see themselves in the world, they will each have a dedicated local in-country team who wants to learn about each student to help him/her/them to embrace his/her/their identity.

Students are encouraged at any point during our pre-departure or on the ground with one of our EdOdyssey team members to come out if they choose to do so. 

REFLECTIONS: When will students have a chance to express themselves and identity during their program?

During our short-term study abroad programs and our excursions, we have reflections at the end of most daily meet ups and at the end of each day during excursions to share thoughts and unpack feelings about what we’ve learned.

These reflections create a safe space that allows each student to share their experiences based on their identity. Every student is welcome to share as much or as little as they’d like!

LIVING SITUATION: Do students want to come out to their roommates and/or homestay family?

Our local team encourages students to embrace who they are, and if a student decides to come out, then students are welcome share that with our team so we can support it accordingly.

For our accommodations, we offer different types of lodging depending on the different programs that we offer for international programs so see which one is most applicable to you below:

Semester Programs (Dorms) - As a part of your semester study abroad living situation, all students living in dorm-style housing will fill out a roommate matching survey. Our local team will find the best roommate possible based on our roommate matching criteria. 

Semester/Short-Term Programs (Homestays) - If you have a homestay as a part of your program, your local in-country team will support you to come out to your homestay family. Our team members can help facilitate conversations to allow students to speak in their native language or provide students with tips on how to approach the conversation if they prefer to engage their homestay family directly. 

Short-Term Programs (Hotels) - If you stay in a hotel, or other type of accommodation such as as hostel as indicated in your program itinerary, you’ll be matched with a fellow classmate based on sex. 

Generally speaking, we welcome feedback and input from our US-based partner institutions to support us in finding the best housing/homestay match possible for our students.

LGBTQ+ Community Abroad: Do students wish to be part of a supportive LGBTIQ+ community abroad? Are there LGBTIQ+ organizations on their host campus or in the community?

If students would like to share your experiences with fellow study abroad classmates as a group or other individuals, please contact your in-country coordinator to support. 

As an organization, we encourage open communication between our participants, our local team members, and partners to create an environment that facilitates learning, mutual respect and understanding. 

HEALTH & SAFETY: What if a student doesn’t feel safe sharing certain details about their identity? What if I feel that a participant feels that they are a victim of discrimination? 

If any student(s) encounter challenges, or that he/she/they are a victim of an aggression (physical or psychological), our local teams will provide him/her/they with help, guidance and facilitate any additional professional support, if applicable. 

Our team provides 24/7 Emergency Health & Safety support throughout the duration of every student’s EdOdyssey experience. Students are provided with health and safety contact numbers to our team and other important local contact numbers to see to student health and safety.

When it comes to identity-focused questions, our organization encourages all of our participants to share as much or as little as they’d like. Our local team will always have certain emergency contact and personal information to help ensure student health and safety abroad.

LAWS & NORMS: What are laws and cultural norms surrounding relationships and dating in the LGBTQ+ community where students are studying abroad?

Throughout the pre-departure process and in-country experience, each student receives on-going advising with our local team. During pre-departure advising, study abroad participants have a time to ask questions, request details and have an opportunity to engage in discussion with our team on what it’s like to build friendships and connections abroad. 

Each country and culture has different social expectations, and as a part of our semester programs, our local teams provide students with a detailed handbook. This resource shares information and tools regarding cultural insights and norms, in addition to key 24/7 emergency local support numbers.

At no point will any student be asked to disclose personal information, relationship statuses, gender identities or other personal information not relevant to details EdOdyssey teams for reservations or not related to supporting health and safety of students. 

DOCUMENTATION: If the gender and identity of a student is different from the sex listed in legal documents, or if a student is in the process of transitioning, what types of obstacles potentially face with travel, immigration, and documents?

As a part of all of our programs, if visa processing is required, our local team will help provide support. As each participant in our program fills out paperwork, he/she/they will have the guidance in filling out any necessary documents for academic coursework and if any other relevant relevant paperwork to the experience abroad.

STUDY ABROAD IN SICILY AND FLORENCE:  Is Italy considered an LGBTQ+ friendly country? 

Since 1861, Italy has been one of the European countries with a pretty progressive legislation for promoting and protecting the inclusivity of gender. At the same time, there are some areas of Italy where discrimination continues to have a presence due to cultural factors.  In particular, some of the main reasons why Italy has experienced some reluctance to embrace diversity can be attributed to some strong gender stereotypes due to a mixture of deeply rooted patriarchal and Catholic culture.

Intrepid Travel EU shares some additional insights into Italian culture as it relates to the LGBTQ+ community:

“Italy is largely accepting and welcoming of those who identify on the LGBTQIA+ spectrum. Travelers visiting high-touristed areas such as Milan, Venice, Florence and Rome should have no problem in expressing themselves and enjoying a hassle-free holiday.”

“LGBT couples should have no issues expressing themselves in a respectful way when in public. In more rural and regional areas, overt displays of affection can attract negative attention, as smaller towns tend to be more conservative and less accepting. Homosexuality is much more accepted in the north than the south; however, tourist hotspots, such as Capri and Taormina in Sicily, are well-known as LGBT-friendly”. 

In Florence, one of our study abroad semester locations, there is a branch of ArciGay that identifies itself as the leading Italian non-profit organization for the LGBTQI+ community, which recently opened its new headquarters this past June 2021. 

Most importantly, our team in Italy and local partners are happy to support students and help facilitate communication if students have any questions or need more information.

STUDY ABROAD IN LIMA:  Is Peru classified as a LGBTQ+ friendly country? 

It is inevitable to mention that this society remains conservative and sometimes eclectic when discussing the rights of people in the LGBTQ+ community. According to the 2019 Periodic Risk Intelligence and Security Monitor (PRISM) Executive Summary, Peru is ranked as one of sixty-six countries ranked as moderate in terms of risk ratings and trend analyses. As one of major South American cities, Lima has a diverse mix of ethnicities and nationalities with people coming from different parts of the world. 

However, Peru as a country maintains its strong conservative, Catholic traditions and continues to work toward providing more equal opportunities for its LGBTQ+ community but the progress has been slow moving. Over the last decades and years, Peru has taken important steps concerning this issue and is increasingly open and inclusive. Their Peruvian Congress has had openly lesbian and gay members who work to expand access to rights in the country, but continue to face opposition in passing and ratifying laws to recognize same-sex marriage and laws condemning forms of discrimination against members of the LGBTQ+ community. 

At EdOdyssey, we have hosted student abroad alumni and interns from the LGBTQ+ community who have expressed their love for the Peruvian culture. Please see our post about our study abroad alumnae, Johanna M., who shares her experience in Lima, Peru. 

LGBTQ+ RESOURCES

Please take a look at the materials that provide additional insights in how other organizations, institutions, and their members support the LGBTQ+ community as well below:

Arcigay Firenze: Learn more about this Italian non-profit that supports the LGBTQ+ community through advocacy on issues facing its members around Italy.  

The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, & Transgender U.S. Peace Corps Alumni: Gain insights into LGBTIQ+ individuals who served as Peace Corps Volunteers abroad, including information about their experiences abroad. 

The International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission: Shares information about human rights campaigns related specific countries around the world regarding sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression.

LGBT Student Guide for Education Abroad: Provides insights, resources and materials from a University of South Florida undergrad perspective. 

LGBT Travel Information: Explore US State Department resources and materials that provide the LGBTQ+ community with information with information to know before going abroad.

National Center for Transgender Equality: Provides transgender people with advice on how to navigate air travel. 

International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association connects and educates LGBT travelers and the businesses that welcome and support them along the way. All members can customize their travel experience and share it with others.

Out Traveler: Learn more about LGBT-focused locations and events.

The International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, and Intersex Association: Shows research related to legislation and laws specific to gender expression/identity and sexual orientation. 

Is Italy LGBTQIA+ friendly?: Read more from Intreprid Travel EU about their insights into living in Italy as a part of the LBGTQ+ community.

The Fund for Education Abroad: Providing LGBTQ+ students studying abroad an opportunity to access additional funds through their Rainbow Scholarship. 

We want to thank the University of Denver for providing us some inspiration, resources and information from their Inclusiveness Abroad Page! 

The EdOdyssey Educator: May 2021 Newsletter

Teacher Appreciation Week

Sharing our love for teachers with our community.

Earlier this month, we expressed our gratitude for educators. They’ve gone around the world with us, and their work in and out of the classroom inspires their students to take on challenges while abroad.

To our faculty chaperones and to all teachers, we continue to give thanks for the pivotal role that you’ve played in our lives. Best of luck as you finish up the school year!

See how we started Teacher Appreciation Week on Instagram.

Participation in Global Panel Discussion

Sharing an international perspective to Boston community & beyond.

The Boston Area Study Abroad Association (BASAA) invited our own Luis Garcia to provide his Peruvian perspective in their worldwide virtual panel discussion on “Navigating Study Abroad in a COVID-19 World”. Over 100 attendees from around the globe gained unique insights into some of Peru’s public policy and the communication between medical providers and the local community in Lima.

This week, Luis started sharing his knowledge and passion for culture with our Latinx Patient summer cohort of aspiring and current healthcare workers.

Learn more about why cultural competencies matter in our Latinx Patient program.

Program Highlight: Florence Semester Abroad

Highlighting what makes the home of the Renaissance a special place.

World renown art, famous sculptures, and ancient streets have inspired generations of locals and global citizens. Around this time of year, the end of the spring season fills the region of Tuscany with warm weather and breathes even more life into the city.

We’re excited to share the beauty and history of this world famous city with students during our semester program this upcoming school year.

This Month’s Program Reminders & Deadlines:

• Latinx Patient Program Application: Fall Registration - Enrolling

• Florence Study Abroad Application: Fall Deadline - May 30, 2021

• EdOdyssey Semester Airfare Promo: Fall ‘21 & Spring ‘22 - Available

Featured Blog of the Month:

“Why Your International Friendships Will Last A Lifetime”

This month, we reflect on what makes study abroad connections so special. If you’ve studied abroad, or you’re thinking about it, you’ll gain insights into the timeless value of interpersonal connections that come from an experience abroad.

Read the full blog

April Feature - Julia P.: How Study Abroad Builds Perspective

In this month’s feature you’ll meet Julia “GG” P., an EdOdyssey alumnae and current senior at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA. She spoke with us about how travel has changed her, and you’ll see how her past experiences abroad continue to shape her and her future plans.

GG’s START IN TRAVEL

Originally from New Hampshire, she relocated to central Massachusetts to attend Worcester Academy, a prep school in Worcester. As a student, she played hockey and jumped at any opportunity to travel.

Reflecting on her upbringing, she credits her grandma for her endless curiosity about the world. Born in Ecuador, GG’s grandmother attended college in the US, where she met her husband, GG’s grandfather, in Missouri. 

In high school, GG participated in two international adventures that remain close to her heart today. The first was to the Dominican Republic where she spent a week teaching English to students in an elementary and middle school (grades 1- 8). The second brought her to Peru with EdOdyssey.

Her time in Peru, as she recalls, was “a 10 wild days” of on-the-go adventure during her Spring Break in March 2017. The itinerary included Lima, Cusco and Machu Picchu and left her feeling “renewed.” 

After graduating from Worcester Academy, she chose to continue her education just a few miles away at College of the Holy Cross. As a freshman, she walked onto the hockey team and this year, as a senior, was named captain. She is currently a Senior majoring in physics with a minor in Latinx & Caribbean Studies. 

A LOOK BACK AT PERU

Sasaywoman, the ancient Incan ruins just outside of downtown Cusco, remains a favorite. She was in awe of the architecture and still remembers the humbling feeling of exploring the ruins:

“I never felt so small.”

Four years after her time in Peru, she still vividly recalls the dew and the clouds covering the landscape and the surrounding Andes mountains in the distance. Almost all people think of Peru and Machu Picchu, but she says that these ancient ruins continue to stand out to her.

ADVICE FOR HER YOUNGER SELF

If given the chance, she was asked about what she would say to the high school version of herself.

Her advice to other younger students? Totally immerse yourself in the experience, build relationships with the rest of the group, and live in the moment.

After her trip to Peru, they had a unique common bond and she wishes that she had longer lasting friendships. 

LOOKING AHEAD IN HER CAREER

Her ambitions go beyond working in a lab, and she plans to get more involved with project & program management.

“I love physics, and I like the challenge of being a part of a major that is mostly represented by men.”

Her aspirations include traveling the world as a project manager because, as she shared:

"I want more of a world view for the rest of my life."

In preparation for graduation, some thoughts and advice came to mind that she shared with her fellow college athletes.

STUDY ABROAD & TRAVEL TIPS FOR STUDENT ATHLETES

GG provided us some great tips and insights for students involved in sports:

• Have the conversation with your coach: If you’re not in season, take some time and show that it means a lot to you. She feels lucky to have a supportive coach who understands her passion for travel. 

• Use your time management skills: Manage your time, plan ahead, and look at your courses!

• Go solo: Coming from a college team and teammates, sometimes it can feel different to break out and go off on your own, and as GG says:

“Don’t be afraid to travel on your own.”

The pandemic disrupted her plans to study abroad and do a May-mester in Spain, but she has plans to travel after she graduates to continue learning more abroad. 

STAYING CONNECTED TO EXPERIENCES ABROAD

Her friends and family have kept the conversations alive, and their chats have fueled her future plans.

• Friends: Sarah, a friend on campus, studied abroad in Peru and GG feels like they have stayed close because both of them connected to the Peruvian culture and experience.

• Family: She has family in Ecuador, and her grandma came from Ecuador, so it allows her to stay connected with those experiences.

• Future Planning: Her conversations have helped her keep travel high on her list and not lose sight of it. 

“It’s important to give travel a shot!”

LESSONS LEARNED FROM PAST EXPERIENCES

When looking back at previous travel experiences, GG offers her insights and perspective:

“Travel is something that everyone can enjoy if they are presented an opportunity.”

On her past travel experiences, including EdOdyssey experience, she noticed a lot of students from different interests and backgrounds come together and really bonded throughout the experience. When asked about EdOdyssey’s reflections, she shared the following:

“I learned a lot from Peter [McGovern, President of EdOdyssey] and the way he sees the world. He was always excited.”

She learned a lot from her younger brother, Mitchell, who reminded her to take photos with her. Their experiences together were a surprise when he opened up more than she had expected.

“My relationship with my brother grew incredible amounts in such a short period of time.”

FUTURE PLANS & ADVICE FOR HER PEERS

Experiences provide us insights into other people and their careers, and GG encourages her peers to not feel pressure for a rigid career path.

“It's important to learn from people and their experiences, but it also takes time to do that.”

She wants her peers to focus on the end goal and reflect on the fact that there won’t be one path to get there. For her, project management doesn’t exactly connect with her physics major, but she sees her past experiences as a great stepping stone for her career.

As our team and our world builds back to student travel, we hope that her experiences show that the power of travel and how it unites different parts of our lives!

Interested in being a monthly feature later this year? Fill out our monthly feature form for a chance to share your story with us and our travel community!

Did you miss our first monthly feature?

Want to study abroad with us?

Developing Your Study Abroad Personal Project: 3 Steps for Student Success

Guest Post By Narda Antón - EdOdyssey’s Academic Advisor (Peru)

As a part of EdOdyssey’s semester study abroad, each student has the opportunity to create a meaningful personal project. Studying a semester abroad can be one of the most important experiences of your life, and you’ll want to have a piece for your professional portfolio that differentiates you from other study abroad students and young professionals.

When you walk away from this experience, you’ll come away with a unique project that showcases your passions and skills. With EdOdyssey, you have the opportunity to learn more about the local culture and improve your Spanish and show your academic knowledge.

I’m at the front of the classroom walking students through Personal Project process!

At Pontificia Católica del Perú (PUCP), you’ll gain local knowledge from your classes and experiences outside of the classroom. Most importantly, you will also be able to develop a personal project that you can bring home and share with your professional prospects in the future. 

Your unique project will create engagement with the local community as you research a topic that interests you during your semester in Lima. Each student develops each project during a semester and I, as the academic coordinator, will guide them through the whole process.

Below are three main steps that I recommend to my exchange students to accomplish an excellent personal project:

STEP 1: Choosing Your Personal Project Topic

For you to choose the topic of your personal project, you should keep these three key questions in mind:

What topic would I like to explore during my student exchange abroad?

In the initial stages, you will have three topics that you like and you have worked on at your university. Then, you will identify which topic best  fits the reality of the country where you will study and if it is possible to consider it for your personal project.

The topic you will choose will be developed during your semester abroad. You will have to write at least a 10 page essay and make a final presentation for your exchange peers at the end of the semester.

For this reason, it is important that you take into account how accessible and easy it will be to obtain information about the topic you are going to research. For example, some former exchange students chose an interesting topic that they developed in their classes at PUCP and even had the chance to talk to their professors and receive recommendations about their project.

How will my personal project contribute to my exchange experience?

One of our study abroad alums loves dogs and studied Sociology. Her personal project analyzed dogs in different neighborhoods in Lima!

During your exchange, you will have the opportunity to do different activities such as playing sports, taking dance classes, going on excursions to different parts of Peru and even doing volunteer work.

To develop a good personal project, I recommend that the topic you choose is linked to some extracurricular activity you decide to do, so this way you can match your project with your personal experience.

 Here are some examples of past projects:

• A former exchange student, Joe, who was part of the swimming team of his home university, decided to choose “Peruvian university swimming competitions” as a topic for his personal project. He even joined the PUCP swimming team in order to make his exchange experience better. He did some research on university swimming competitions in Peru and did some interviews and surveys to his teammates and coaches in order to write his project essay. In addition, for his final presentation, he showed photos and videos of his training and competitions he participated in during his exchange. His major was International Studies.

• Erin, another former student, was interested in applying to medical school at her home university, chose 'Amazonian natural medicine' as the main topic for her personal project. She had the opportunity to participate in an excursion to the Peruvian jungle, which was organized by EdOdyssey and visited some treatment and rehabilitation centers. At the centers, she had some interviews with medical specialists and collected important information on the topic in order to write her essay and make her final presentation. Her major at her home university was Anthropology.

What impact will my Personal Project have on my career?

Identify how your personal project will add value to your career. For example, when you graduate or when you get a job in the future, how will your Personal Project help you? Are you potentially thinking about a Masters program? 

Don’t forget about your big picture goals and ambitions, and how this project can help serve you to accomplish those goals!

STEP 2: Investigation & Research

Your personal project will have a significant impact on your exchange, so it is important that you dedicate time and effort in order to succeed. Please keep in mind that I’m here to help all students succeed, but please take note of the following tips so you can have the most fun possible with this project!

Be organized: When you start researching your topic, you need to get yourself organized. I recommend that you create a monthly schedule that includes the tasks you must do and the amount of time you will spend on those tasks. 

This will help you to focus on the project and you won’t miss out on your other academic activities.

Step by step: The development of the personal project happens throughout the semester so it will take you a few months to complete it. It is important that you identify the parts of the project and set weekly assignments and goals.

Support: During the semester, you will have my advice and support in the development of your project. We will have weekly meetings that will allow you to present updates and advances with me soI can provide you with feedback  to guide you and improve your project.

Stay calm: Doing your personal project is not an easy task, so it is okay if you feel a little overwhelmed during the process. Remember to stay calm, take a deep breath and reach out to me if you have questions. If you’re proactive during the semester, and keep an open line of communication with me, you’ll enjoy the process and create a better project!

STEP 3: Final Presentation

At the end of the semester, you should present your personal project with your exchange colleagues in order to share your experience and receive feedback. For the final presentation, I recommend that you and all students studying abroad with EdOdyssey complete following:

Style Points: Present your project in a creative and eye-catching way so your fellow students pay attention and get curious about your topic. You’re encouraged to  include photos or videos from the beginning and final stages of your project.

Final Presentation Duration: Your presentation should last approximately 10 minutes. You will include the objective, development and conclusions of your project.

Demeanor: Feel comfortable and relaxed so you can give a confident image to your audience.

Your personal project will bring together your passions, academic skills and knowledge in order to have the best exchange experience abroad. Remember to focus on the three steps described: the choice of topic, the  research and the final presentation, taking into account the time and effort that each one will take.

With proper organization, strong motivation and a good guidance,  you will be able to develop an excellent project that will have a valuable contribution to your professional career!

Ready to get started?

Monthly Feature: Matt W.'s Study Abroad Experiences and How Travel Influences Your Career

INTRODUCING MONTHLY FEATURE

Each month we will feature an EdOdyssey alum or a passionate traveler who embodies our values and connects their study abroad to themselves.

Today, we introduce Matt W., a native of Franklin, Massachusetts, shares his personal growth throughout his study abroad experiences and how it’s provided him guidance toward his career in law.

Our hope, as educators, is to share how growth through travel is a process. 

HIGH SCHOOL: BUILDING INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVE

In high school, he always moved abroad and he hadn't gone abroad so he took advantage of as many programs as possible. He did a mission trip to El Salvador his freshman year and later participated in an exchange program in Spain as well as a short term visit to China. 

From all these study abroad trips, he realized that he wanted to be exposed to even more diversity and an even different way of life for a longer period of time. These collective experiences inspired him to study abroad for a semester so he could enjoy more of an immersive experience.

COLLEGE ABROAD: GAINING PERSPECTIVE

Matt knew that he wanted even more of that local feel that he had from his exchange in Spain, so he decided to study abroad in South America and he mentioned that he wanted to do a homestay. 

Even with years of Spanish under his belt, he still felt like he was building out from his beginner Spanish, but he said that his homestay experience helped him and helped him with his conversational Spanish. 

In the classroom, his classes largely focused on his international studies major that included a notable law class that he’ll never forget. Andrea Colgada, one of his professors in Buenos Aires, led an international law course in Spanish that made him see law from another perspective.

Outside of her role as professor, Matt mentioned that he loved how she had so many her experiences outside of the classroom.

She practiced law in the local courts, was a policy adviser, and understood the depth of complex international treaties. Her wide knowledge base in so many areas, and her involvement in different aspects of law, gave him a greater appreciation and perspective on the different ways that he pursue a career as a lawyer. 

LESSONS LEARNED FROM STUDY ABROAD

If you get food on your plate, Matt would encourage you to do your best to eat it because leaving food on your plate in many cultures can send the wrong message. 

“You respect people through their food.”

In China, there was initial fright because of the amount of cameras. In El Salvador, there is barbed wire around the building. In Argentina, the power sometimes cut out. 

Matt shared that life can feel different when you're in a different location and realizing where you are in the world, and makes you even more conscious and aware of your surroundings. Throughout all these experiences, he realized that breaking out of his bubble from a place of personal growth. 

To this day, Matt stays connected with his homestay mother in Argentina. When the social media memories come up on his platforms, he always stops to reflect on what he’s learned and what he’s done to grow from experiences.

LIFE AFTER GRADUATION

Matt wants to continue seeking his passions. He doesn't have a concrete, set-in-stone path in front of him, but he knows that he wants to find what he loves. He aspires to integrate his past experiences into his passions, and ultimately he wants to keep working to find his exact purpose in life. He wants to find what he loves. 

Our team thanks Matt for sharing his experiences with us! If you too would like to share your story, please fill out our EdOdyssey’s Monthly Feature for a chance to featured and we’ll be in touch if you’re selected!

Black History Month: The Importance of American Black Leadership in the World

February is Black History Month, and to celebrate it, you’ll learn about how travel experiences abroad have influenced and made an impact on the lives of American black leaders. 

These leaders provide us with meaningful quotes that give us as readers insights from interviews, speeches and written memoirs. Their experiences come from short term travel and relocating to a new country. 

They’ve happened at different times and in countries all around the world. 

Obama to Spain 

After Obama graduated college, he went to Europe before visiting his father’s homeland of Kenya. Obama recounted his stop in Spain to the British Broadcasting Company (BBC):

“...we arrived in Barcelona and it was just daybreak, and I remember walking towards the Ramblas, towards town, and the sun was coming up. And so, those kinds of trips are memorable because they’re part of you as a young person trying to discover what your place in the world is.”

At the end of the president’s 2nd term in July 2016, Obama returned to Spain for a visit and met with the king. 

“Travel also reminds us of what we share and what we have become – the ability for us to recognise ourselves in each other”

For some leaders, these experiences have been shorter immersion experiences, but for others, it has been much more of a longer term immersion experience. 

Kamala Harris in Montreal

Original photos courtesy of @kamalaharris instagram (left) and English Montreal School Board Facebook (right)

When Vice President Kamala Harris was growing up, her mother worked at a local university in Montreal and Vice President Harris spent a good portion of her childhood in Montreal. 

According to the L.A Times, Harris attended most of secondary school (7th grade - senior year of high school) in Montreal and its Westmount neighborhood. Harris graduated from Westmount High School in 1981.

“I used to joke that I felt like a duck because all day long at our new school I'd be saying 'Quoi? Quoi? Quoi?'” - Kamala Harris in her 2019 Memoir “The Truths We Hold: An American Journey”

Based on Harris’ quote, we see the universal challenge of travel that comes from learning a language and a sense of the cultural assimilation that takes place when moving to a new country. 

During Vice President Kamala Harris’ first days in office, she made one of her first international calls to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Treadeau. These travel experiences abroad have created an ability to strengthen international relationships. 

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In Berlin 

When Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. visited the Berlin Wall, it was less than five years old and John F. Kennedy had been assassinated within recent memory. Dr. King gave a moving speech that focused on the call for unity around the world. 

Original photo courtesy of PhotoQuest—Getty Images

“There is no East, no West, no North, no South, but one great fellowship of love throughout the whole, wide world.” 

“Men and women search for meaning, hope for fulfillment, yearn for faith in something beyond themselves, and cry desperately for love and community to support them in this pilgrim journey.”

He called to break down the barriers that were separating people and to find meaning in literal and figurative common ground, given that Jim Crow laws and segregation still existed at the time of his speech.  

In the honor of late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., many countries around the world have incorporated his name on streets and in public spaces around the world.  

The words and connections that American black leaders have made around the world continue to leave an indelible mark on global community. Their work and effort to break down barriers and bring the world closer together resonates with our organization’s motto: “Through international exposure, we mature to be a more understanding, respectful, and impassioned world.” We will only grow and truly embrace that maturation as a worldwide community if black voices and the black community have the support of all organizations in our space. 

The importance of organizations that support diversity and inclusion, and during this month particularly, organizations that support black students and students of color. In the field of international education, diverse student representation in study abroad matters, and with that in mind, we ask that you please support our friends the following organizations:

Teens of Color Abroad

Diversity Abroad

URep Abroad

Did we miss a great organization that we should add to the list? Please email Joe Meringolo (joe@edodyssey.com)

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Sources:

Belfer, Ilana. “Kamala Harris’ Montreal High School Posted Her Yearbook Photos From 1981.” MTL Blog, 8 Nov. 2020, www.mtlblog.com/en-ca/news/montreal/kamala-harris-montreal-high-school-posted-her-yearbook-photos-from-1981.

Bilefsky, Dan. “Kamala Harris’s ‘Canadian Dream.’” The New York Times, 3 Nov. 2020, www.nytimes.com/2020/10/09/world/canada/kamala-harris-canada.html.

Harris, Nadia-Elysse. “Martin Luther King, Jr. Traveled About 6 Million Miles Between 1957 And 1968.” TravelNoire, 18 Jan. 2019, travelnoire.com/martin-luther-king-jr-traveled-about-6-million-miles-between-1957-and-1968.

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