(Insert Your Country) & Study Abroad: Now More Than Ever Your Institution, Department, Your Name, Title.

(Insert Your Country) & Study Abroad:

Now More Than Ever

Your Institution, Department, Your Name, Title

Introduction

In this slide you will want to introduce yourselfand tell the audience where you are from and Why you are in America. In the next couple of slides you will want to tell the audience more about your home country in greater length.

My Region of the World

Add pictures and information about your region of the world (ex. Southeast Asia, Europe, Middle East, Latin America, Western Africa, etc.)

(Your home country)

• In this slide you will want to describe your home country. Give some demographics and statistical information about your country such as geography, ethnicities, prominent religions, languages spoken, and personal overview of your home country

(Your home country)

• Continue to introduce the audience to the lifestyle and culture of your specific country and emphasize how life differs outside of the U.S. The likelihood that your audience has traveled to your home country is slim, so they will be curious as to what you have to say, so do not hesitate to add ample descriptions.

Attractions• Mention here different attractions to your

country-both physical and intangible. Include picture of a landmark or just a picture you are fond of at home.

My City

• Add pictures and information about city views, your friends, where you went to school, places in your community, etc.

Culture

• Have a slide here about your culture of your home country and how it differs from culture in the U.S. Perhaps you want to include differences in lifestyle, food, dress etc.

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Living in (home country)

• Here you might want to tell a little bit about your living arrangements at home. Describe what your home life is like-how it may differ from the stereotypical home life in the U.S. You can describe physical differences( ex. houses or the community may be structured differently etc.) or describe the cultural differences in home life (ex. maybe the eating hours are different etc.). Show a picture of typical living in your country.

Getting Started

• One way to experience (insert your country) in Latin America is through study abroad!!!

• Start planning now! Applications for programs are generally due well in advance. Start by researching the options available by visiting the Study Abroad office and speaking with a program advisor one year before you would like to travel.

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• To gain a new perspective on your own country

Reasons For Latino/ Hispanic Students to Study Abroad

See the U.S. with new eyes. Being immersed in one country tends to give us a limited view of our world. Traveling outside the country will show you how America affects and fits into all of humanity. From the vantage point of someone else’s culture you can truly see your own. By being exposed to so many diverse traditions you will understand the significance of keeping your own traditions alive.

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• To explore your heritage

Reasons For Latino/ Hispanic Students to Study Abroad

Getting in touch with your family’s heritage can be another strong motivation to study abroad. Many Latino/a students report tremendous educational and personal benefits from exploring countries where their families have roots. Whether your family recently immigrated to the U.S. or has lived here for decades, and whether you are discovering your family’s culture for the first time or interested in learning more, study abroad can provide you with an opportunity to get in touch with your heritage and explore your own identity.

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• To improve your professional and financial potential

Reasons For Latino/ Hispanic Students to Study Abroad

International experience is a critical and impressive part of any resume. In addition to the personal growth you’ll undergo while overseas, the international and cross-cultural skills you’ll develop will certainly expand your employment opportunities and, consequently, your income potential. Many Latino/a students who study abroad in Spanish speaking countries find that they are able to build upon and improve their Spanish language skills, giving them an instant advantage in the highly competitive workforce.

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• To become a full-time learner

Reasons For Latino/ Hispanic Students to Study Abroad

Many students who go abroad report that in addition to enjoying and learning in their classes during the week, they learn some of the most valuable lessons outside of the classroom. Weekend excursions to museums and cultural sites also add to your academic and personal growth. You learn to interact with people who may not necessarily think or communicate like you. While in a foreign country, even mundane activities – like shopping for groceries – become educational experiences.

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• To gain new insights and outlooks through relationships

Reasons For Latino/ Hispanic Students to Study Abroad

Study abroad returnees often report meeting others with whom they expected to have no common ground, and then discovering that, despite being from different parts of the globe, they have much in common and much to learn from one another. As a Latino/a, you may also meet other minority students similar to yourself who can share with you their experiences and give you the support you need while living abroad. These relationships, insights, and outlooks are a critical part of the study abroad experience.

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• To fight stereotypes by educating others

Reasons For Latino/ Hispanic Students to Study Abroad

There is a challenge that many Hispanic students face abroad. Many other cultures only have experience with Hispanics through the media (i.e. music, movies, television, etc.). Hispanic-American students may become frustrated when the same stereotypes from home follow them overseas. However, this is also a unique opportunity to educate others about who you are as an individual and as a group. This is your chance to be an individual, as well as a representative of your culture, and to encourage positive understanding of global diversity.

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• To dispel your own stereotypes

Reasons For Latino/ Hispanic Students to Study Abroad

Studying abroad gives you a chance to break down some of your own stereotypes as well. Not only will you have the chance to immerse yourself in another culture, you will also meet people from different backgrounds and make personal connections with people whom you may have never expected. If traveling to your family’s native country, you may be surprised to find that you don’t in fact know everything about your own culture – stereotypes you have about yourself and your culture might be inaccurate!

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• To take control of your future.

Reasons For Latino/ Hispanic Students to Study Abroad

During your time abroad, you will be exposed to countless different experiences that may influence the rest of your life. The vast majority of study abroad students report feeling more independent, self-confident, and knowledgeable of the world around them. After studying abroad, you may find your travels have had a profound influence on your career or personal goals. If you wish to continue with your higher education into either a masters or a doctorate, study abroad experience will give an edge on the competition.

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Reasons For Latino/ Hispanic Students to Study Abroad

“As a nation we must do more to reach out to the world and bridge cultural and social understanding.”

Gaddi VasquezFirst Latino Directorof the Peace Corps

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Reasons For Latino/ Hispanic Students to Study Abroad

“The more I think about peace, I think peace starts and ends in connection. When we connect, we learn about the other. It's not tolerance, but understanding, acceptance. In the connection, everything starts to happen.”

Isabel AllendeLatin American Author

Everyone Can Study Abroad

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Why Study Abroad…

Now that students have heard various reasons to study abroad, you can help to inspire them and personalize your presentation by telling them what motivated you to study in the U.S. as someone from Latin America. What you have gained from your experience so far and how it will help you with life your goals? You may offer a unique perspective, or what ultimately made you study in the U.S. might be what a student needs to hear to decide to study abroad themselves.

Where Can You Go?

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Central America

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Mexico

South America

Brazil

Southern South America

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Develop Your Global CompetenciesThrough Study Abroad!

To find out how you can study abroad, please contact:

Name of Your InstitutionOffice of Study Abroad

LocationContact Information

How To Get There

• Talk to your parents

• Visit your school counselor and see what programs are available

• Apply for a program

• Get your passport

Tools for Finding a Program

• Home Campus Study Abroad Office/Resource Center: The best place to look for a study abroad program is your U.S. home campus study abroad office (where available). The staff can help you through the process of finding a program, applying, participating, and returning home.

• Reference Books: The following is a comprehensive reference book which is updated each year: Peterson’s Study Abroad

Tools for Finding a Program

• Summer Study Abroad, IIE Academic Year Abroad, and IIE Short-Term Study Abroad. They include detailed explanations and descriptions of many study abroad programs.

• Websites: There are a number of websites with information about available study abroad programs. Some websites we recommend are: Studyabroad.com, Goabroad.com, IIEPassport, and Peterson’s

Funding Your Study Abroad

Financial AidAt many institutions, financial aid transfers to Study Abroad Programs

Scholarships

Advance Planning and Budgeting

Room and Board

Living arrangements vary from one location to another. Possibilities include university residence halls, staying with a host family in a private home, sharing an apartment, and boarding houses.

In some cases you will have a meal plan similar to those at your home institution. In other cases, you or your host family will be responsible for providing meals.

Advancing Toleranceand Understanding

“Clearly, we need to use education to advance tolerance and understanding. Perhaps more than ever, international understanding is essential to world peace- understanding between faiths, between nations, between cultures. Today, we know that just as no nation is immune to conflict or suffering, no nation can defend itself alone. We need each other- as friends, as allies, as partners- in a struggle for common values and common needs.”

Kofi Annan, Former U.N. Secretary General

Preparing For Your Future

“In the 21st Century, there will be only two kinds of people: Those who think globally and those who are looking for work.”

Peter F. DruckerWriter, Management Consultant, Professor

Questions??

Offer here to answer any questions they may have about your home country, study abroad, life back home, or how life is for you being a foreigner living and studying in the U.S. You will want to come prepared to answer questions so consider these issues in advance and how you may want to respond to these concerns.