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Global Leadership

Global Leadership

Leaders Without Borders

Stories from Abroad: Mi Casa es Su Casa

by Jordan T. Walters, African and African Diaspora Studies/History Junior

On three separate occasions we were told “mi casa es su casa” (my house is your house), or variations of it, by people who had never met us in their life. The various communities we have visited have taken us in as their own and invested in us a wealth of knowledge that we can now take back to our communities in the United States.

First, the community in Cahuita, which is predominantly composed of Afro-descendant Costa Ricans, embraced us in multiple ways. Enrique Joseph gave us a history of Cahuita and its transition from being a settlement predicated off the exploitation of nature to one focused on preserving nature. Kendall Cayasso explained to us that the youth in the area are taught at a young age to be aware of their footprint on the Earth and also stand firm for what they believe in. Laura Wilson discussed the intersectional experiences of Afro-descendant women in Costa Rica and ways we can be better allies.

Altogether, these three community leaders took time out of their day to inform us of the dynamics governing their community, and they made us feel even more comfortable with the people we would soon interact with.

Second, the Bribri indigenous community, near the border of Panama and Costa Rica, invited us to their dwellings in the forest for an experience we will never forget. Before starting with the day’s plans, they told us that their home was also our home. Immediately we felt like we were in good care with good people. While there, we learned about the variety of plants they use for medicines and beauty products, how to make chocolate (the real stuff), and some background information on the Bribri people. They even prepared food and drink for us, and while we ate we sat in a circle reflecting on what we had done throughout our time in the space. It was truly a moment where I felt connected to the nature surrounding us, the rest of my cohort, and other human beings who simply wanted to introduce us to their beautiful world.

Lastly, Dr. Umberto and the folks at the aquifer in Carrizal were immensely informative. They opened our eyes to the effects climate change has on the environment, but also to just how powerful a community working together can be. They told us about the who, what, when, where, why, and how of their work. After that, we traveled through the jungle, up and down mountains, to witness the beauty of nature and their community water sources. From there, we had a snack and planted two trees named Epsy Nong Bumphus (after VP Epsy Campbell Barr, TA Nong Xiong, and Dr. Bumphus) and Big Javi Bebe (after TA Javier Wallace). After it was all said and done, one of the amazing members of the board of directors let us know that we were welcome to the community anytime.

Though these three communities were in vastly different places, they each left a huge impact on us. They inspired us to think more critically about how we use our natural resources, to think about our roles in our own communities, and how to bridge the gap between the two so that we can create spaces that are welcoming to others while maintaining the integrity and life around us.

Stories from Abroad: Guest Lecturer Shares History of Costa Rica

by Jordan T. Walters, African and African Diaspora Studies/History Junior

One of the program’s guest lecturers, Dr. Natasha Gordon-Chipembere, discussed with us the history of Costa Rica, but more specifically the history of Afro-descendant Costa Ricans. She highlighted the 200-year-long institution of slavery that existed in Costa Rica that has been erased from many of the nation’s history books.

Dr. Natasha Gordon-Chipembere
Dr. Natasha Gordon-Chipembere

Dr. Chipembere started off by explaining the way European powers, like the Spanish, viewed Costa Rica. Christopher Columbus ignited the failed colonial project in Costa Rica and set in place the events that followed. Because Costa Rica was mostly inaccessible due to its terrain, intruders were met with hostility by indigenous communities, and there was no competitive cash crop, Costa Rica did not receive a large number of slaves.

After going over the development of Costa Rica during its inclusion within the Kingdom of Guatemala, the area’s Spanish administrative division, the lecturer talked about Costa Rica’s independence and present-day status, as well as Afro-descendant identity in Costa Rica.

Dr. Chipembere explained how the concept of tico/tica emerged as a means of creating a national identity, but she also mentioned that many Afro-descendant people do not feel necessarily connected to that colorblind term. We looked at where many Afro-descendant Costa Ricans lived, a place known as Limon, and how their isolation in that region of the nation birthed an almost completely separate identity from tico/tica.

Similar to how Black communities in the United States are labeled, the Afro-descendant community of Limon is considered by many in other parts of Costa Rica to be a poor community full of crime and disobedience. For that reason, many Costa Ricans residing in places like San Jose do not visit the Caribbean coast, but rather opt for the beaches along the Pacific coast.

Despite discussions on the rather dehumanizing treatment of Afro-descendant Costa Rican’s, Dr. Chipembere reminded us of how powerful, resilient, and influential the Afro-descendant community is. Two examples include the economic importance of Limon as a port through which a majority of the nation’s imports/exports go through and La Negrita, which is Costa Rica’s patron saint, who is a Black woman.

Beyond the amazing lecture that left our cohort feeling much more aware of the dynamics governing Costa Rican society, Dr. Gordon-Chipembere exemplifies an ethical and socially responsible leader that we can all aspire to. She uses her passion for history, in addition to her lineage, to disrupt false narratives and highlight the experiences of oppressed communities. This, in turn, holds those around her accountable for how they articulate the histories of Costa Rica. Instead of causing further harm to Afro-descendant communities, she responsibly tells and honors their stories.

As we continue to sharpen our skills as leaders while on this study abroad trip we will keep in mind the standards set by Dr. Natasha Gordon-Chipemebere.

Study Abroad Gender Gap

Dr. Walker’s comments were prominently featured recently in this Daily Texan article entitled Men at UT need to realize the value in studying abroad, re-posted below.

globes illustrationBY DAVID WEST JR.

The gender gap between women and men studying abroad is staggering, as men are widely unrepresented in the statistics. Quite frankly, it’s time for men to pack their bags and follow the precedent set by women. In order to inspire change, study abroad coordinators must begin to pitch these opportunities to men by emphasizing the potential for financial gains through the skills acquired abroad.

Over the course of the 2015–2016 academic school year, 3,763 UT students studied abroad, but only 41 percent were men. Nationally, only 32.7 percent of United States study abroad students during the 2016–2017 year were men, meaning an astonishing 67.3 percent were women.

“Men are more afraid to fail,” said Devin Walker, director of global leadership for UT’s  Division of Diversity and Community Engagement. “They’re not as comfortable being uncomfortable — studying abroad takes you out of your comfort zone and it takes control away from you.”

Speaking from my own observations, men can be opposed to trying new things, and typically are very career driven and traditional. Men will continue to remotely consider studying abroad unless they are enlightened on the potential cash benefits of this opportunity.

“We (as men) don’t prioritize study abroad as an economic achievement,” said Brandon Pegram, an acting junior who has traveled abroad to both Beijing, China and Cape Town, South Africa.  “(Men) don’t talk about how studying abroad can progress careers and opportunities. (Men) look at it as just a trip.” To say the least, men have adopted a conventional perception on traveling abroad.

While women attend colleges at a higher rate than men do worldwide, undoubtedly contributing to the significant gap between men and women studying abroad, there may also be some underlying factors at play.

“A lot of the women I know are more motivated than the men that I know,” said biochemistry junior Brandon Okeke, who has also studied abroad in Beijing, China. “Women work together on their goals, whereas men work on their own or won’t talk about what they’re working on.”

Additionally, Walker highlights, “women have to seek out more opportunities because we live in an inequitable and sexist environment.”

I second this stance wholeheartedly — women tend to be more opportunistic and open-minded than men, and this is demonstrated by their willingness to study abroad.

“Part of it is a deficiency amongst men, but part of it is also a positive amongst women due to women being more assertive in going after (what they want),” said Walker.

Men specifically need to adopt this open-minded mentality.

Unquestionably, though, in addition to adjusting their perspective, finances are another pivotal factor in why men are not traveling abroad — but not so much in terms of paying for the trip itself.  Right now, universities are taking the wrong approach when pitching study abroad to men specifically.

In order to get more men to study abroad, international offices must shift the conversation to long-term financial gain. They must emphasize how traveling abroad can increase annual salaries through the skills developed as a result of being out of your comfort zone.

No longer can we approach men with dialogue regarding life-changing experiences.

Men are money-driven to a fault, and if the potential for money down the line is not communicated, men will continue to be less represented on study abroad trips. Study abroad opportunities must be marketed to men differently.

“Men don’t apply because they don’t see the value in gaining cultural knowledge, because in most male’s minds that doesn’t make money or dollars,” Pegram said.

You’ve heard it before — if it don’t make dollars, it don’t make sense.

West Jr. is a journalism sophomore from New Orleans, Louisiana.

Travel Noire Features Global Leadership

Travel NoireTravel Noire recently wrote a post featuring our 100 Passport Giveaway: New Study Abroad Initiative Helps Middle School Students Explore The World.  Sharelle Burt writes:

The initiative is designed to develop students into leaders by learning real-world skills like cultural proficiency, entrepreneurship, civic leadership, teambuilding, and global citizenship. During the school year, Dr. Walker hopes to continue educating middle schoolers on the importance of traveling abroad and most importantly, building leadership and character skills.

Read more at travelnoire.com.

 

 

Daily Texan Features Diversity Abroad

The Daily Texan covered the Global Leadership program recently in an article entitled: “‘I can do anything’: Study Abroad works to include more students of color.” Neelam Bohra writes:

“Ensuring students of color have the information and support they need to incorporate an international experience into their four-year degree is our goal,” said Heather Thompson, director of study abroad. “We work closely with units, such as the Division of Diversity and Community Engagement and the Multicultural Engagement Center to increase awareness to diverse students.”

Read the entire article at The Daily Texan.

The Greatest Gift

by Kristy T.

It was on November 19th, the day of my birthday, that I found out I was accepted into the China Maymester study abroad program. I’m never going to forget the feeling of extreme excitement and also the feeling of pure nervousness. After the initial excitement wore off, a ton of questions started to form. “How can I pay for this?”, “Who else is going?”, “Will I get along with people on the trip?”. It was honestly terrifying jumping into the pure unknown for the first time of my life.

Fast forward to eight months later, and it is now my last week in China. Over the semester of preparation for Beijing I constantly heard that it was going to be a life changing experience, and even though I believed it, I didn’t know to the extent that it would affect my life. After a month of using “squaty potties”, dealing with not being fluent in the language, and adjusting to an overall new environment, I feel like a completely different person. I learned how to be more patient and adaptable and most importantly, I became a lot more appreciative and grateful for everything that I have been blessed with.

During the past months I have made relationships that I know will last a lifetime. All of the people that I’ve met during this trip has given me a new perspective on so many different things and have influenced me in so many ways, and helped me become a better person. They taught me how to live, learn, persevere, and to see the world in a new light. They gave me so many memories and almost instantly became like a family to me, making Beijing feel like a home away from home.

I’m going to make the most of these last few days and take everything in before I have to get on the plane with all of the amazing friends I’ve made. Overall, I can honestly say that finding out that I was accepted into the program, was the best birthday present I could’ve ever received. So thank you to all of the friends I made during the trip, you will always be my Beijing family. I’ll miss all of you!

No History Book Can Compare

by Kastina Fishback

For a long period in my life, The Great Wall was the only thing that popped into my head when I thought of China. I have always read about it in world history books, but I never even once fathomed myself ever actually being there. Look at me now! I, Kastina Fishback, can actually say I climbed to the highest point of THE GREAT WALL OF CHINA and was able to watch the beautiful morning sun rise over it. How many people do you know who can say this?

The most beautiful site my eyes have ever laid eyes on.
The most beautiful site my eyes have ever laid eyes on.

When we first arrived at The Great Wall, I had no idea what to expect. I knew we would be staying overnight at a small village that was not technologically advanced at all, so I was pretty nervous. But just simply laying eyes on The Great Wall took away all of that apprehensiveness. I was in complete awe. I couldn’t help but wonder how normal people were able to build something as incredible as this without the modern technology we have today. It was breathtaking.

WowWowWowWowWow!

The hike up to the tallest point on The Great Wall of China was definitely one of the hardest things I have physically done in my life. There were many points where I wanted to give up because I was out of breath and in pain. However, I knew that I would never be presented with this opportunity ever again in my life, so I had to take advantage of it. I had some very deep talks with myself while going up that mountain because my body was telling me to stop and take the easy way back down. There is no word to describe the feeling I got when I finally made it to the top. I spent the night in a village that put me completely out of my comfort zone, woke up at 3:00 A.M., embarked on an hour and thirty minute hike uphill,  had a nasty fall blood and scratches, and was still able to stand on one of the most historical sites in the world. I’m a pretty amazing person if you ask me.

IMG_0578
MAMA, I MADE IT!

Eyes of American Culture from local in Beijing-CJL

by Christian Jose Lucero

Going off my last blog post “The Power of Meeting People” – I am very interested in hearing what people think about America and American people. This is a common question I ask people I meet in Beijing and I am enlightened by the different responses I get from good to bad.

Personally, being a Latino student/minority, I feel a social pressure attending a predominantly white institution. This has lead to feeling that my actions represent my whole race when I am the only Hispanic student in the class. This is not a welcoming feeling.

This has shaped my perception about American culture and American people both good and bad. Today I said hello to Ning Zhao. She is an adult female born in Beijing, and it was interesting to hear what she had to say about American people/culture.

Notes Conversation with Ning Zhao:
American people are very prideful, when doing business they say we understand your situations, values, and beliefs but we think our way is the best.

Chinese people they are really big on relationships. They do their best to try to find something in common with you like having the same last name (Han/Gonzales), or part of the same province even if not same town still connect. Then they have more reason to help you. But if you are a stranger, no benefits to helping you, why should they. No incentives. This is why Wechat is popular because now people can connect a lot easier and make connections this brings tons of benefits, part of same wechat group.

U.S. people are very individualistic, don’t take in to consideration about a lot of things. For example, if we do business we just focus on business, not all the possible factors of what can happen because of our business. Chinese take in to consideration a lot of factors.

Ning Zhao, is very impressed with how American people treat each other (we treat each other good because we are human beings). She went to Walmart and her boss asked her to buy a baby filter as a favor, that he got one previously at the Walmart in San Fransciso, but she was in Pennsylvania. She went to customer service at Walmart and ask if they had the baby filter, the employee looked it up online to see if they had it and they didn’t but she called the corporation they say they didn’t either. Then she asked Ning Zhao where we heard they had the baby filter she said the Walmart from San Fransciso and the employee also called their Walmart department in SF. She said everyone in line behind her was patient no one was in a rush. She was amazed by the costumer service and people because if they were in China this type of caring and patience for the customer would never happen.

In conclusion, you have a responsibility to disprove stereotypes, and change people’s perspective on the meaning of being American, why is our culture important, and how can we change to make more foreigners feel welcome by us. Are we too prideful? Are we too individualistic?

MUCH LOVE

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