All Arcadia University students should be able to “preview” the world—that’s why the Black Alumni Association of Arcadia University (BAAAU) has launched a new travel support program.  

Preview, a two-credit course and weeklong international experience for first-year and transfer students, can be an exciting global experience. However, for some students, the $595 stipend and additional expenses can be an insurmountable obstacle between them and the world.

“In 2018, only 6.5 percent of African American students participated in Preview,” said BAAAU President Aliyah Abraham ’18, quoting statistics from the Office of International Programs. “Historically, there has been low engagement among African American students for Preview, which is a flagship program of the Arcadia experience.”

The BAAAU travel support program initiative will work in collaboration with the Act 101/Gateway to Success program, which will complement the funding they provide students to support the variety of travel needs for Preview.

“We’re working together so that low-income students can take advantage of this study abroad opportunity,” said Dr. Angela McNeil, director of Act 101/Gateway to Success, noting that only one student last year from the Act 101/Gateway to Success program went on Preview. “Research shows that low-income students are least likely to study abroad, so this travel support program is important. We want to provide the opportunity for them to study outside the United States.”

The BAAAU anticipates the 2019 Preview program will be the first year that students can apply for the travel support program, which will be awarded using federal guidelines on financial need. Students will not have to fill out a separate application. On the Preview application, students can select that they need financial assistance to participate in the program. 

The BAAAU plans to expand the program in the years to come to be able to support up to 10 students a year, as well as aid in alleviating additional Preview costs, such as passport fees and food while in-country. 

Donations are being accepted for the travel support program, which can be contributed online or sent by mail to the Arcadia University Office of University Advancement, 450 S. Easton Road, Glenside, PA 19038. Checks should be made payable to Arcadia University and the designation “Black Alumni Association Travel Program” should be noted on the memo line.