- We are proud to share some of their experiences as Black students studying abroad and where they are now in their academic or professional careers. We welcome you to click on the linked articles to learn more about them. American Councils will continue to share similar experiences from students of color year-round and highlight the stories and achievements of Black program alumni. Every month is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the diversity of our participants. Ava Jamerson… Read More
- American Councils is grateful for the opportunity to celebrate Black History Month. We also recognize that Black students face significant barriers to studying abroad. In recent years, we have prioritized increased access for Black American students and other groups traditionally underrepresented in study abroad and educational exchange programs through such initiatives as the Diversity and Inclusion Scholarship Fund, which has provided $100,000 in scholarships for… Read More
- In the Institute for International Education’s 2021 report, data shows that only 8.6% of U.S. students studying abroad identify as having an AAPI background. American Councils believes it is important to highlight these students’ voices and experiences abroad that demonstrate how their AAPI identities, in combination with cross-cultural experiences overseas, have shaped their personal and professional development. American Councils will continue to share similar experiences from students of… Read More
- According to the 2020 Open Doors data report on international exchange, 10.9% of reported U.S. students studying abroad in 2018-2019 identified as Hispanic or Latino(a). We believe it is important to highlight these students’ voices and experiences abroad that demonstrate how their Latinx identities, in combination with cross cultural experiences overseas, have shaped their personal and professional development. American Councils will continue to share similar experiences from students of… Read More
- Recently, 24 alumni of the earliest YES cohorts from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, and North Macedonia gathered in Sarajevo along with seven representatives of American Councils to mark the ten-year anniversary since the alumni program began––a postponed celebration due to the pandemic. Participants rekindled connections from the past, established new networks, explored leadership and social responsibility, and shared ideas for the future of the alumni community. The program… Read More
- In the 2020 Open Doors data report on international exchange, 8.9% of reported U.S. students studying abroad in 2018-2019 identified as Asian, Native Hawaiian, or another Pacific Islander. American Councils believes it is important to uplift these students’ voices and their experiences abroad and is proud to share how our participants’ identities as AAPI students, in combination with cross cultural experiences overseas, have shaped both their professional and personal development.… Read More
- Editor’s Note: Besa Luci has kept busy since she was a KAEF fellow at the University of Missouri. After graduating with a master’s degree in Journalism and Magazine Writing, Luci co-founded Kosovo 2.0, an independent media organization, that sheds light on issues of injustice, discrimination, human rights, and current affairs in the country and the world. Initially launched as Kosovo’s first blogging platform, K2.0 grew to become an established media outlet with an ever-growing audience.… Read More
- Editor's note: Hana Bacaj completed her master's degree in economic development at Vanderbilt University through the Kosovo American Education Fund. She also completed a graduate certificate in women's and gender studies. During her studies, she was the recipient of numerous awards, including the William Edward Ferguson, Jr. Award and the Outstanding Student Award. Why did you choose to study economic development and what made you want to apply to KAEF? I have always dreamt of being… Read More
- Editor's note: We are so thankful that in the midst of so much change, our alumni and participants have been a constant source of encouragement with their hard work and community efforts. As part of our celebration of virtual volunteerism and Giving Tuesday Now, we've rounded up a few of the alumni from AC-administered programs who are working to combat COVID-19. Dr. Valentyna Goloborodko is a Future Leaders Exchange alumna from Ukraine, who went on exchange in the early ‘… Read More
- Almost all of the students who packed their bags for American Councils’ Politics and Public Diplomacy in Contemporary Russia program in 2018 were just that: students. All except Samantha Williams. Unlike the rest of her cohort, Ms. Williams was used to grading finals rather than studying for them. As an English teacher who primarily works with immigrants, she was motivated to study abroad in Russia to better understand the culture of her students and better relate to them when she… Read More
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