Study Abroad and Career Exposure

NY-LON Exchange Program

NYLON is a cultural exchange program designed by the Shawn Carter Foundation and the University of the Arts London/London College of Communication. The aim is to increase the future employment prospects of underserved students by exposing them to a cross-cultural, academic, experiential, and professional development experience in creative industries. NYLON launched in 2015 and since then, our students created marketing campaigns for Made in America Festival, the Shawn Carter Foundation, and developed a strategy to expand the NY-LON program itself.

IIE/Benjamin Gilman International Scholarship Partnership

From 2013-2016 the Shawn Carter Foundation and the Institute of International Education (IIE)/Gilman International Scholarship Program collaborated to expand the global experiences and leadership opportunities for underserved students through establishment of full study-abroad scholarships. Below are profiles of some of the Shawn Carter Scholars who participated.

Shawn Carter Foundation/Gilman International Scholarship Recipients

Brittany Hardy

Study Abroad City: Athens, Greece
School: Princeton University

I believe investing in study abroad is important because we should not limit ourselves to our daily routine. We should want to branch out and see life in someone else's perspective. Unfortunately, many people who want to take this leap of faith cannot afford to do so, and that is why it is important to have amazing organizations like the Shawn Carter Foundation and the Gilman Scholarship to help fund those students who want to learn about other people and cultures.

Natalie Holman

Study Abroad City: Barcelona, Spain
School: Northwestern University

This program allowed me to immerse in a new lifestyle, environment, culture, and nurture my deep commitment to public health. It has also allowed me to engage in the global community around me, helping me realize that I am not just a citizen of the U.S., I am a citizen of the world. I can learn so much from the people around me. There are very real issues going on worldwide, and this opened my eyes to a completely new perspective. This has helped me understand that we are truly connected in some way.

Laquisha Springer

Study Abroad City: Copenhagen, Denmark
School: Connecticut College

Studying abroad has opened my mind to shifting my future academic and professional goals. Since my senior year of high school, I was dead-set on attending a postgraduate Physician Assistant program. I learned that I should not limit myself to just one career path when I have multiple talents. I know I still want to pursue a healthcare career, but it could be that I attend a graduate program for nurse practitioner, public health, take a gap year to enter the workforce or even return to Europe to study, work or both.

Quenton White

Study Abroad City: Manchester, United Kingdom
School: Wayne State University

During my study abroad I completed several criminology and social science related courses. These courses enhanced my understanding of law and the criminal justice system. We explored interesting concepts and theories that enhanced my interest the field and helped me confirm that law is indeed a profession that I would like to pursue.

Jazmin Gonzalez

Study Abroad City: Rabat, Morocco and Salé, Morocco
School: Hunter College

I will always be grateful for the opportunity I had to study abroad in Morocco. It allowed me to grow academically and as an individual. The experience I gained will continue to influence my life both inside and outside the classroom. As part of my community service, I was able to teach Spanish to low-income students in Sale.

Clinton Langston, Jr.

Study Abroad City: Paris, France
School: CUNY City College

While abroad I earned a chance to study the innovation and influence of Coco Chanel. More importantly, I learned how the production of fashion was nearly shutdown in Europe due to the World Wars. For the first time in my life I was studying what I loved!

Sydnee Leuellyn

Study Abroad City: Johannesburg, South Africa
School: California State University, San Marcos

Studying abroad is a beautiful and unique experience, one like no other. The opportunity to see, learn and do new things is life changing. While abroad I volunteered at local daycares and play centers for the South African children. I also fed the homeless, interviewed them about work discrimination, and researched possible job opportunities for them in South Africa.

Adrian Morris

Study Abroad City: Madrid, Spain
School: University of California, Los Angeles

My study abroad experience was beyond amazing! I learned about the many cultures of Madrid, as well as the different facets of their government. The people welcomed foreigners, which made my experience so much more enjoyable. The people of Madrid were very patient with us when we tried to speak Spanish and also helped guide us during our exploration of the city. I can't wait to go back and experience all of the other things that Madrid has to offer. It definitely was an experience of a lifetime.

Elvia Ramirez-Vidal

Study Abroad City: San Jose, Costa Rica
School: Temple University

I have always loved learning, but once I began my study abroad experience, I realized that learning does not solely occur in a classroom. Everyone, from the tour guides to my host family, became my teachers, and I learned what it truly means to be a global citizen.

London Edwards-Johnson

Study Abroad City: Jinja, Uganda
School: Northwestern University

Growing up in urban South Los Angeles many youth in my community never even make it to a four-year university. Having this opportunity pushed me out of my comfort zone, and challenged me personally, academically, physically, and in many other ways I never anticipated. Not only did I get to learn about the Wandango and Uganda culture and many things about myself, but I also realized that those supporting me in America were able to live vicariously through me. I created lifelong bonds and friendships and now consider Uganda a second home. My trip abroad was truly a transformative time of my life and unforgettable experience that I will always cherish!

Dalayna Gardner

Study Abroad City: India
School: University of California, Riverside

Although I have epilepsy, I learned that my disability could only hinder me if I allowed it to. My “disability” did not take away my ability to do anything I put my mind to. I explored the world like never before and traveled to other cities outside of my program such as Mumbai, Jaipur, Durshet. I experienced the diversity of India: different creeds, customs and vibrant colors with endless varieties of food, traditions and languages. Not only did I learn about their culture, but I became more in touch with my own, finding cultural artifacts and discovering black history that managed to travel across the world from America to India.

Kimberly Valle

Study Abroad City: Morocco
School: University of Texas at El Paso

Having the opportunity to not only live in Morocco but immerse myself in the Arab culture was such a rewarding experience that impacted my academic and personal life. Making the decision to study abroad developed a deeper global awareness in myself, allowed me to flourish as a human being, and created a profound ambition toward my career goals.