Cyan Blackwell

Education Abroad

My STEP Signature Project was a three-week education abroad experience, which focused on diversity within the Francophone world. We traveled to France and Morocco learning about the history, culture, and politics of each

country as well as how the countries influence one another. We spent a week in Paris, a week in the south of France with a host family, and a week traveling to different Moroccan cities.

Growing up as a person of color in America, it is easy to forget that racism is a disease that affects the world. Countries like France and America that pride themselves on liberty, justice, and brotherhood are often considered the most “advanced”. However, these countries also have strong governments that often enact formal laws that oppress minority groups. This was exemplified during my trip to France and Morocco when we discussed laws such as the Headscarf Ban of 2004. I expected France to be a wonderful and accepting country based on its values, but I realized that it is not easy to move on from one’s history.

I went to France hoping that they would provide the blueprint about how to overcome racism or at least legal forms of discrimination. France is frequently portrayed as a country that moved past colonialism and is now accepting of their former subjects, which includes Moroccans. Yet, I realized that history is pervasive no matter where you are in the world, and it inevitably shapes the future. Thus, much like the United States, France is still struggling with its history of racism and oppression. My time abroad changed my outlook on the United States and helped me realize the problem of racism is not unique to America. Still, I believe that if people of color come together we can make things better for ourselves throughout the world.

My education abroad program partnered with IAU College located in Aix-en-Provence, France. The partnership with IAU college led to relationships with professors Aboubakr Jamai and Yumna Masarwa that provided a complete and authentic experience. Both professors spent a lot of time teaching us about the presence and acceptance of Muslims in France. Professor Masarwa gave us an in-depth lesson about the rejection of the hijab in France and accompanied the lesson with a visit to a mosque. At the mosque, we engaged in a discussion with its members and discussed the challenges that Muslims face in France.

Professor Jamai, a renowned Moroccan journalist, ensured that our experience in Morocco was beyond that of a typical tourist. Professor Jamai taught us about the religion of Islam and addressed many of the misconceptions about the religion. It was important to have that understanding because Morocco is a Muslim country, and we were visiting during the holy time of Ramadan. Also, we learned about the political and social challenges of the country, but we were able to experience the beauty of its rich culture as well. We cooked traditional Moroccan cuisine in a Moroccan village in the mountains, we enjoyed the tradition of breaking the fast during Ramadan, and even bought medicines and spices at a holistic pharmacy. One of my favorite parts of the trip was meeting with young Moroccans.

We were able to spend time in a neighborhood that has a number of challenges including high rates of poverty and crime. However, this community has faced these challenges by coming together at a cultural center that has changed the lives of many young people and women through education, art, and other opportunities. Also, we were able to meet and dance with a group of young Moroccan break dancers that express their stories and struggles through their art. The youngest group we met with were preschoolers whose families and communities with the help of a non-governmental organization were able to recognize the importance of early childhood education. My experiences with young Moroccans reinforced my belief that if people maintain hope and come together, they can create their own opportunities to uplift themselves against all odds.

My goal is to be a lawyer that influences policy and fights for the oppressed. As a black woman in America, much of my focus has been on improving my immediate surroundings and the status of the black community. However, my trip abroad helped me to realize that while I may feel oppressed in America, I have the privilege of living in a democracy where I am able to have a role in the legislative process and make a change. Therefore, it is my duty to recognize my privilege and use it to help others throughout the world. My fight cannot simply be domestic, but must be international. My education abroad experience has encouraged me to expand my goals to reach a larger group of people, and I hope to address issues that affect oppressed peoples throughout the world. I can only hope to have as much passion and drive as the people I met during my time abroad to make the world a little bit better. I want to become a global citizen.

Camel Ride- Morocco

Morocco