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Community Outreach for Returning Study Abroad Students
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What is community outreach? Why?
Community outreach goes beyond the university campus and focuses on organizations that impact the whole of society. Just like campus outreach, community outreach is about teaching others, oftentimes less privileged, about the world and different cultures. Learning about another country can inspire others to expand their horizon and get a better understanding of what is happening in the world. Thus, outreach becomes a service to society as a whole rather than just your fellow students. Returning study abroad students can make a difference and improve the global understanding of U.S. citizens which, these days, has become increasingly important.
Where?
There are numerous ways to volunteer and share your stories and experiences. Organizations throughout the country bring people of all ages together to improve their lives in one way or another. Most of these organizations are non-profit and welcome contributions of all kinds. A presentation is an easy and inexpensive way to do your part and meet interesting people along the way. At the same time, it gives other members the opportunity to get a feel for a different culture and country and maybe inspire them to learn more about the world.
How To Start
Find out what kind of organization interests you. For example: Would you like to be around children, high schools students, college students, or older people? Is there a religious group that shares your faith or you want to learn more about? Is there an older generation of immigrants from the country you visited, living in the U.S., who might be interested in hearing what has changed in their native country? In short, ask yourself who you want to present to.
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