“Know from whence you came. If you know whence you came, there are absolutely no limitations to where you can go.”
– James Baldwin, American author, poet and activist
February is Black History Month in the U.S., and this year I’m excited to help share some of the many stories from students of color who have studied abroad on our programs. ISEP opened the way for these students to become more resilient, self-aware, and empowered individuals through meaningful experiences overseas; and now, they are using the skills they’ve gained to impact the world in their own way. It is my hope that through their testimonials, we can continue an open dialogue about being black and abroad, and provide a living resource to support current and prospective students.
You might recognize the first alum we’ll profile from her insightful blog posts and photography featured throughout ISEP marketing. Joy Donnelly attended Missouri State University in the U.S. and studied at Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Italy, but her time overseas didn’t end there. Joy’s affinity for all things abroad led her to pursue a master’s degree in France and a full-time position at a cultural exchange organization, among other opportunities. Check out Joy’s interview on the ISEP Alumni Association Podcast, and stay tuned for more Black History content throughout the month!
The ISEP Alumni Association Podcast is also available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts
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