Dillard University, In Conjunction With Xavier University

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Maureen Larkins
January 19, 2005 (504) 816-4711

DILLARD U. JOINTLY HOSTS STUDY ABROAD SYMPOSIUM
JANUARY 21 AND 22

Dr. Johnnetta B. Cole keynote speaker for inaugural event

New Orleans, LA—International travel is nothing new to Dillard University students. In less than two years, approximately 70 Dillard students have completed summer, semester or academic year study abroad programs in more than 20 countries such as Austria, England, India, Japan, Namibia, South Africa, Spain and Thailand. Thanks in part to a study abroad program sponsored by the School for International Training (SIT), a number of these students have studied how other cultures live and conducted master’s level research.

Dillard University, in conjunction with Xavier University of Louisiana, hosts “Strengthening Internationalization at HBCUs,” an international studies symposium sponsored by the SIT, Friday, January 21 through Saturday, January 22. Events will take place on both of the Universities’ campuses.

The symposium features sessions on academic vision and leadership, faculty panels and presentations by students who have received scholarships through the project. Dr. Johnnetta B. Cole, chair of the United Way of America Board of Trustees, president of Bennett College and former president of Spelman College, will deliver the conference keynote address Friday at Dillard University. The closing speech will be offered by Dr. Norman Francis, president of Xavier University, Saturday on Xavier’s campus.

“Strengthening Internationalization at HBCUs” is the culmination of a project sponsored by the SIT, an accredited institution in Vermont which offers field-based study abroad programs around the world, under the auspices of a congressional award to further study abroad efforts in a consortium comprised of Dillard University, Howard University, Morehouse College, North Carolina A&T State University, SIT, Spelman College and Xavier University.

“SIT is a powerhouse in the field of international exchange. Its specific commitment to assist in strengthening the internationalization operations of HBCUs is timely and consistent with Dillard’s mission of preparing its graduates for global leadership,” said Anthony Pinder, associate dean of Global Studies at Dillard University.

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The symposium is designed to bring together all project participants in order that they may reflect on its impact, share best practices for study abroad at HBCUs, and expand the base of support at each of the six participating institutions. In addition, three representatives each from four additional HBCUs—Bennett College, Bethune-Cookman College, Huston-Tillotson College and Winston-Salem State University—will attend the symposium and share in the learning outcomes.

“The SIT-HBCU Consortium has been an exciting opportunity for Dillard. This initiative has provided resources for our students to step outside of their comfort zones and study abroad in places as varied as South Africa, Jamaica and Cuba,” said Pinder. “In addition, this initiative has underwritten the international travel and professional development of HBCU faculty and administrators interested in expanding the international education efforts on their campuses.”

Earlier phases of the project included faculty, senior administrators and study abroad staff group site visits to Morocco, Jamaica and Panama as well as student scholarships for participation in the SIT programs in summer and fall 2004. Students studied in locations from Madagascar to Brazil, learning languages, studying culture and local issues, and conducting undergraduate research projects. The overall goal of the project is to develop significant cohorts of supporters of study abroad at HBCUs in order to facilitate further internationalization.

The SIT was established in 1964 to answer a growing demand for expertise in language and intercultural training. The school’s parent organization, World Learning, founded as The Experiment in International Living, has enjoyed a worldwide reputation for its programs in international education, exchange and sustainable development for more than 70 years.