Man at the Airport
When you travel abroad, you open yourself up to a whole new world, a different ecosystem that is distinct from what you are used to. It provides you with the opportunity to immerse yourself in various cuisines, entertainment, landscapes, and much more.
Exploring foreign lands allows you to interact with people from diverse cultures, sparking curiosity and prompting you to ask questions like “How were you brought up?” or “Do you encounter certain experiences?” before these thoughts slip away.
For young Black adults, the urge to explore the world is strong. While the daily news bombards us with global issues, how can we work towards change without understanding the world around us?
Ashley Saddler Jr., a fourth-year architecture student with a minor in military science, recently secured a spot in Project Go’s study abroad program. If selected, he will be studying Chinese Mandarin at San Diego State University. Saddler emphasizes that traveling abroad offers a unique insight into different cultures.
“Cultures exhibit various facets; for instance, in Southeast Asia, there is a rich tapestry of diverse cultures, religions, languages, and people,” Saddler explained.
“Observing how they interact with their surroundings and each other has highlighted the intricate and diverse nature of the world beyond the Americas,” Saddler added.
Project Go is a nationwide initiative available to eligible ROTC students, offering fully funded opportunities for language education, overseas studies, and cross-cultural experiences. Since its establishment in 2007, the program has enabled over 7,500 students to explore cultures and languages in 33 countries, both domestically and internationally.
While not every trip abroad needs to be educational, traveling for leisure allows you to deeply engage with different cultures, providing a fresh perspective and understanding of their way of life.
Alexis Rejouis, a graduating broadcast journalism major, journeyed to Jamaica in the summers of 2021 and 2022. Despite traveling for leisure, she returned with more than just souvenirs.
“It helped me recognize the similarities and differences within my own culture, enabling me to appreciate diverse people and perspectives beyond my own,” Rejouis shared.
Rejouis underscores the significance of travel for young Black individuals, emphasizing the importance of broadening horizons and exploring new possibilities beyond self-imposed limitations.
Daijah Rabb, a third-year biology-premed major, previously resided in Okinawa, Japan with her family before returning to the United States in 2021. Rabb offers advice to students contemplating international travel but feeling uncertain.
“Take the leap! Embrace and learn from diverse cultures. If you encounter challenges, don’t let them deter you from exploring other destinations,” Rabb advised.
“The world is a magnificent place; expand your horizons.”