Professors are working to reinstate the study abroad program at Langston University for the first time since 2015. Professor Mann, a professor for the Department of English and Foreign Studies, is working with Dr. Desmond Delk to reestablish the program that was once immensely popular here at Langston. It started at a faculty institute where Delk asked the faculty of Langston if they’d like to travel abroad. Mann took the opportunity, and upon returning took the initiative to try and get students out of the country.
“I think going abroad, it’s not like one word to describe it. It just shows you the context of how big the world is, but then also, it situates you, like how you fit into the world,” Mann said.
The last coordinator of the study abroad program was Dr. Mary Mbosowo, who was the associate professor of French at Langston University.
“I recruited the students. I went from class to class just telling them the importance of having an international experience to add to the resume,” Mbosowo said. “When I came in from Nigeria to teach in American universities, African Americans would ask me questions like ‘Do you guys have houses in Africa?’, So I took it upon myself to take them to the continent.”
The last trip abroad was with Mbosowo in 2015 to Barbados.
Misty Mayes, a Langston alumna, and the current library executive assistant, was able to experience this program and is in full support of it coming back.
“I did study abroad twice. I went to the Dominican my freshman year, I was there for two months, it was a great experience,” said Mayes, “And then I went to Africa, it was a different experience than from the Dominican. I stayed with a family in Africa, I was on my own with a roommate, and we went to West Gambia and Senegal, it was amazing.”
Mayes says that being out of the country opens up your perspective and feels like everyone should try and experience it.
“ I’m from Langston. So, me leaving the country the first time was an eye-opener, I feel like the program would not only benefit students, but the chaperones that go with the students. I feel like there’s learning in every aspect,” Mayes said.“And when you go to a whole other country and you learn their culture versus your own culture, you have more compassion for others than you would have if you just stayed local.”
Professor Mann says the overall process to get this program back at Langston is not a difficult one, but more support from students would help the process tremendously.
“I have a lot of things, but for me, it’s a priority for me to put the students’ needs at the top of my list,” Mann said. “But I’m open to ideas, just how to make it happen for those that are interested now because it’s not as hard as it may seem, I just feel like it’s just more or less putting the pieces together.”
If students want to see previous trips taken by study abroad students, they are encouraged to visit the English library located in Jones Hall. Students can also reach out to Professor Mann for any additional questions or concerns by email at yaisa.mann@langston.edu.
Cambrie Cannon
Staff Writer
Cambrie Cannon is a sophomore broadcast journalism and corrections major.
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