India-Jewel, a writer over at xojane.com who just so happens to be a fashionable, globe-trotting black woman, has been chronicling her online dating journey in a writing series so good that she was able to snag a book deal. And, this makes me very happy indeed because 1) I like Ms. India-Jewel’s writing, and 2) I’m tired of hearing about promiscuous, drug-addled, rich white girls getting book deals to tell their tales of what it’s like being rich, drunk, and promiscuous when there are other talented writers whose works languish and never see the light of day at a major publishing house. So I guess you could say that I feel like Ms. India-Jewel getting a book deal is one of those times when a publisher gets it right, but I digress.

In a post titled “The Great Online Dating Debate: I’m still at it, plus I’ve got great “must-read” news!,” we hear about India-Jewels’ latest nuggets of hilarity from the dating battlefield. Something one of her dates, whom I’m guessing was a black man, said caught my eye. One this particular date, the guy was so negative that she dubbed him Mr. Anti-Everything.

At one point, Mr. Anti-Everything said he–and I quote and paraphrase at the same time–hates to “see beautiful Black women out with White men because White men are stealing all the Black women that Black men want.” And this came from a black man in freakin’ London, England. Aren’t black men in England dating out at like 3 times the rate of black women in England?

This same black man said along the lines of all black women having kids and that’s why he doesn’t want to date them, blah blah blah. Same old stereotype you’ve heard already (but apparently the White men are getting all the high-quality black women with no kids?–we may never know…).

After reading Ms. Jewel’s vignette we can all say that we now know what was only discussed in certain circles is becoming mainstream: More and more black women with options and sense are looking to get the best mate they can get–whatever that man’s race, color, or creed–and those who once felt entitled to the exclusive affections of black women are getting some healthy competition.
_________________________________
Jamila Akil is a Senior Editor at Beyond Black and White. Follow her on Twitter @jamilaakil

Keeping up with the latest fashions have always been high on my priority list. However, the bright colors, long fabrics, and relaxed fits that surround me in California highly differ from the monochromatic, structured, and feminine looks that hail the streets of London.

There is no doubt that I will be emulating this oh so ‘smart’ style when I land in California.  Three looks have consumed my being (and pocket) while being here: Fur, leather, and shift dresses.

I love PETA friendly fur. It’s luxurious, classy, and most of all warm. I remember first trying out this look in 10^th grade on my 65 degree Socal campus- I was out of place to say the least. In a last minute dash to decrease the weight of my suitcase I ditched the fur before coming to London. And once I saw everyone in South Kensington prancing around in their sky high heels and fur coats, I deeply regretted  it. It’s the perfect addition to a posh outfit when heading out on the town.

Throw this over a turtle neck for a modern look. Try this one on sale for $75 on Modcloth.com:

I’ve been obsessed with leather since Britney Spears wore that all red leather jump suit in her “Oops I Did It Again” video. A hint of leather can add instant edge to your wardrobe. Buy a pair of these sleek leather pants from Zara for $50 :

Shift dresses are classic, and perfectly appropriate for all kinds of occasions. It’ll bring out the inner Audrey Hepburn in you. Try this one for $100 from Top Shop:

The United Nations dedicated 2011 the International Year for the people of African Descent. I didn’t know a thing about it. I could be wrong, but I take their goal to “Right Past Wrongs” noble but naïve. To black Americans, this could mean reparations among other things, but the USA is certainly not about to give an inch on that argument — even with Barack Obama as president. Then again, that could be the reason one may argue that we need no reparations if someone of color can rise from relative obscurity to the presidency; that the effects of slavery have long disappeared. Excuse the digression, as that is a different discussion for a different time. At any rate, black folks from around the world knew of the UN initiative. They knew in South America, specifically Uruguay.

Afrodescendientes, or those of African descent are alive, but one may argue not well.  You can find communities of black people or Afro-Latinos from Mexico on down to Argentina, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay.  Thanks to the Internet and modern technology, Afro Latinos in these countries have been able to catapult their civil rights movements to forefront and their respective governments have taken notice.  A few precious years ago, various civil rights’ movements had not really reached to where black Americans were in the 50s and 60s.  How hard is it to fight for rights and recognition when your own government and citizens deny your very existence?

I remember talking to an Argentinian college roommate about “El Negro Falucho” (Antonio Ruiz) a black fallen soldier of whom is a gigantic monument in the middle of Buenos Aires.  She had no clue of who Ruiz was, or of his or other blacks’ contributions to Argentinian independence.  This woman who was 27, had never even seen black people living in Buenos Aires.  I found other Argentinos were astoundingly ignorant about their Afro Argentino communities.  I also recall speaking with my Bolivian dental hygienist about the “nonexistent” blacks there.  I have Afro Bolivian friends and this girl was trying to tell me that Bolivia had no blacks.  I guess she did not hear first indigenous Bolivian President Evo Morales campaigning to help the plight of Afro Bolivianos were he to be elected.  I hope he kept his promise to them.  This was repeated with the Chilean nurse at my doctor’s office about Chile.  Mexico doesn’t even classify its black citizens as Afro-Mexicans.  So there is no real count of how many exist.  But we know they are there.

Times are a changin’!

Change is slow in coming, yet coming none the less.  Many welcome the strides they have made.  But the struggle continues.  The struggle continues here at homes, so by all means it continues in Central and South America for Afro-Latinos.

In honor of the UN recognizing 2011 the International Year for People of African Descent, a group of black women in Salto, Uruguay has been profiled in a video by el Mundo Afro Salto, the region’s black culture group.  They are proclaiming their black heritage and declaring that house work is not only woman’s work.  The women are making themselves visible and making their voices heard.  The elderly, 92 year old Evangelina speaks the loudest with her silence.

Up further north, I came across a conscientious Rap/R&B group called Chocquibtown.  They sing about the perils of black folks in their town and in Colombia.  There are gold and silver mines all around them, yet the people can’t receive any of the spoils due to private corporations and government interference.  The roads are atrocious making access in and out of the town impossible.  From what I understand Chocquibtown’s mega hit “De Donde Vengo Yo” examines their poor village and though everyone wants to leave, they can’t so they make due, they can be just as happy as those who have cars, and other modern conveniences.  The young women are still able to have their hair done (with extensions if they want), wear gold jewelry and know they are hot.  The underlying theme is the Afro Colombiano’s invisibility not only in Colombia, but all over the world.  Enjoy this tune that makes you want to get up and dance; while cheering on our Colombian brothers and sisters.

What does all of this mean for black Americans and black women?  No doubt most will think nothing really as we are generally oblivious to the plight of other blacks around the world.  But we share ancestry.  Same trip different ship as they say.  This may prompt some to wonder what could they possibly do to help?  There are Many go to Paraguay and other countries with the Peace Corp.  Maybe you can make a contribution by volunteering to assist in their civil rights efforts.  Maybe you can teach English, or a skill to some of these women who are overwhelmingly the domestic “help” for middle and upper class citizens of these countries.  I suggest that we all do something even if it is only spreading the word.  Our former fight is the present fight of our sisters and black communities at large south of our borders.  Recognize and know that for every right we take for granted, someone is struggling to realize that same right for themselves.  And our Afro Latina sisters have it just that much worse.  But, times are a changin’.

                     Afro-Bolivians

Afro-Chileans 

Afro-Nicaraguan Dancers

                                                              Afro Panamanian Beauty

                                               The Afro-Paraguayan Community of Cambacuá

___________________

Resources:

 Argentina

Vanishing Blacks of Argentina

El Negro Falucho (Antonio Ruiz)

Standing Commission on Afro-Argentines Studies

Bolivia

Bolivian Chapter on Human Rights, Democracy and Development

Afro Bolivian Family

Brazil

Shows in Honor of Black Consciousness Day

Chile

Oro Negro

Colombia

 Trans Africa

Costa Rica

Afro Costa Rican Women’s (Development) Center

To Inherit a Better World

Ecuador

Introduction to Collective Rights Afro ecuadorians

El Salvador

Afro Salvadorans, Identity Denied (Afrosalvadoreños, identidad negada)

I had to search high and low for this video.  El Salvador is the only Central American country with no known Afro-Salvadoran community, but there are descendants and some physical attributes are evident.  This presenters are ard breaking it down and speaking truth about the blacks of El Salvador.  Sorry folks in Spanish.  I don’t have a way to translate or add subtitles.

Afromestizo

Black People in El Salvador (by a FB friend W. Bill Smith)

Guatemala

Afromestizo, The Third Root

Honduras

Honduran Minority Rights

Nicaragua

A movement in Nicaragua  (I provided some of the research for this article)

Panama

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Afro-Panamanians

Panama: Current reality and key concerns of the Afro-Panamanian population

http://www.thepanamanews.com/pn/v_10/issue_07/spanish_opinion_03.html

Peru

Legacy of Afro Peruvian Culture

Venezuela

Trans Africa – Venezuela

Afro Latinos United- Venezuela

Mexico

http://www.forumbiodiversity.com/showthread.php/27202-Afro-Mexicans

http://cultureofsoccer.com/2007/03/12/soccer-and-the-afro-mexican-population/
http://www.workers.org/2007/us/solidarity-0503/

(added by Christelyn, because she thought it would be funny.)

No, I’m not talking about the kind of attention you want to avoid. No cat calls, puckered lips, or hissing coming from the mouths of the less than desirable. From what I can tell it’s not a fetish but a diverse pallet that the majority of Londoners share.

Throughout the city it is quite obvious that the Brits don’t have a set “type” like most Americans do. Here in America I can almost guess to the eyelash what type of preference someone has after talking to them for five minutes. But the Brits? They always keep me guessing.

In England the swirling isn’t limited to vanilla and chocolate. I have seen all types of people from all over the globe in a relationship with each other in London. It was clear that the Black women didn’t have to fear when they were not approached by a Black male. Every Black mother I have come into contact with proudly holds hands with her biracial daughter.

But what limits Americans from thinking in the same terms? The argument can be made that London is a Metropolitan city, where swirling is not uncommon. But I have a different theory.

In America, color often (wrongly) dictates the expected commonalities we have between one another.  Americans think of themselves in terms of White, Black, Yellow, Brown, or Red.

For example, when is the last time you met someone who identified themselves as primarily Norwegian? And in the rare case that this would happen, what characteristics would you expect this person to have? In America we don’t usually think in these ethnic terms. We think in basic terms of color.

It is hard for the British to think strictly in terms of color, because their respective countries of origin are so close. In Great Britain even the various Western European countries are known to have their own distinctive ways of life and traditions, and many citizens still feel attached to them. Here there is no guarantee or expectation that you will have something in common with all the people of your race. Therefore, being in a relationship with someone of a different race is not that different than being in a relationship with someone of a different ethnicity.

According to the UK newspaper the Independent, mixed race children are becoming a significant portion of the UK population:

On current trends, mixed-race babies will soon outnumber those born to black couples in Britain. The last census showed that people of mixed race make up the third-largest minority group behind Indians and Pakistanis. But with half of them aged 16 or younger, they are the fastest growing. In time, people of mixed race will become Britain’s largest ethnic minority.

It is very refreshing to be in a place that takes advantage of their diverse surroundings. And hey, I don’t mind the attention;) Reason #17383272 to move to London.

I thought of all my Korean friends of course but even more of my black woman friends living in Korea either teaching or living with their Korean husbands and raising their families.  My friend Joy Richardson is in Korea with her 9 year-old son teaching English to children.  She is gaining some very rich experience and so is her son.  Joy is profiled as a “Woman On A Mission” on the Swirling and Marriage website.

It may surprise some that American sisters and African sisters are also living happily in Korea with their husbands and children.  I have seen this on the program called “Love in Asia” that airs on the KBS network their profiling foreigners married to Korean citizens.  Most have been women married to Korean men, but they do profile others.  Just an aside note, I have to give it to African women.  Most have no qualms about marrying interracially and moving to the US, Europe, Asia or Australia.  I recently became friends with Mirriam Simasiku-Kim, from Zambia.  Mirriam lives in Seoul with her husband Hyangmo, and sons Mwilima Yeryu and William Yewon.  Mirriam and her hubby met as scientists working on AIDS research.  This episode originally aired on September 8, 2009.  You can find more information on Mirriam and Hyangmo here (use an online translator, unless of course you speak Korean).

I have also seen Syamim and husband Jong Su Gwak with their son Min Jae.  Syamim is from Tanzania.  They seem to be such nice and lovely family.  This is their story that aired on Feb. 2, 2011 on an episode of “Love In Asia”.                                

I patiently waited for someone to upload this wonderful video to youtube again.  This is the love story of Mimi Milpin-Uk, husband Yih Yeong Uk, handsome son Geonwoo and gorgeous daughter Colony.  You do not have to speak Korean to understand the love between Mimi and Yih.  It was love at first site for Yih.  You can follow their story of life in Africa, losing their baby to malaria and deciding to go and live in Korea so their other children could have a chance.  You see Mimi cry remembering her mother (or sister) who has passed.

You see her African relatives all to happy to hear from Mimi and send her a message of love and happiness.    Life seems to be better in Seoul and Mimi has become quite resourceful in homemaking and contributing to her house hold.  She also helps women who are new to Korea with Korean husbands to get acclimated and shows them the ropes.  I am enjoying the fact that we have 2 Korean channels on the cable network here.  I think there may be more, but the package I have does not offer them.  Anyway,  Enjoy the videos!

Mimi, Geonwoo & Colony Uk

Part 1 

Part 2 

Part 3 

Part 4 

Part 5 

More on the Uk family.  .

Hi Christelyn here my questions. I would like to start by saying that I hope none of what I say is taken in a derogatory way. It is all meant with the utmost honesty and respect. Its just coming from a different culture back ground things can be different and also views of other cultures can be different but not always accurate. I feel I also need to point out that I have never actually been out or slept with a black woman before, I’m not sure why but I would say mainly because its just never happened rather then any particular reason. My family ( mom dad bro) would not have any problem with it. First off what would be a good way of meeting black women and also a good way to approach them? What about looks and style? I’m 6ft 1 but I’m quite slim I want to train and gain more muscle and size would that be a plus in the eyes of a woman? Also what about personality? I’m quite shy and that is something i want to work on for myself not just for relationship wise.

Now on a more serious note, my main question is, and this can be interpreted the wrong way, but I hope you don’t …. so here goes ….. Can a black woman really love a white man???? and not feel she as lost out somewhere? I ask this be cause where I come from in England which is not a very good area, that is some times a feeling I get from just on the grape vine and also from tv and reading. I feel it is a unwritten rule that black men and white women can date but not WM and BW and sometimes the black men and white women who date inter racially are the ones with the problem and don’t like it when they see it the other way round. Where I come from as well there are a lot of single white women with babies including white black Asian and exct babies. That is something I don’t want I’ve never wanted to be a single parent with kids by how many women. I suppose I’m a bit of a old style romantic and believe in true love that is why I have asked the question. I want my relationship to be mainly about true love and great sex and friendship will come with that.

This is were I don’t want you to take what I say the wrong way, and I know culture as a whole is different in England to USA. But from what I see where I come from a lot of black relationships are more about attitude rather then love but I suppose I’m seeing it more from the male point rather then the women’s. I have a lot of black male friends but not many women friends full stop. Also most the interracial relationships round by my which are mainly BM WW really aren’t what I want they are not in my opinion good healthy relationships for reasons you can probably guess why. I feel like I’m going on a bit of a racist rant here but I’m not I just want you to understand my concerns. these are some of the reasons why I am interested in black women. apart from the fact I have always found them attractive, I love the thick curvy body, big bums, lips and dark eyes. I also am really attracted to the fact they seem to have a lot of self respect, back bone and will not let any gangster rapper wannabe walk over them.

But like I’ve asked I would want to feel true love like I’m her number one and that she is full happy in the relationship.

Thanks for your help hope to hear from you soon.

Here’s my response to some of his questions:

FAIR NOTICE: I know lots of people will what to chime in on advice for “J,” but remember to keep it kind, cool, and classy. The purpose of me showcasing these questions is to facilitate a dialogue and give this community and opportunity to learn and grow from each other. That said, in overtly cruel comments and I’ll rip your e-tongues out, got it?

On Honey’s birthday last spring, we headed to his brother’s house for a family get-together. It was my first time meeting them. After introductions were made, we sat in the garden sipping fruit tea, munching on an assortment of cakes, and chatting in translation.

A little white table off to the side overflows with gifts. Everyone on a sugar high, the men of the family lifted Honey up in his chair, in some birthday tradition among German men, and sang a raucous song.  Honey’s brother and nephews are the only ones who speak English; I question the eldest about what he’s going to do after graduating high school. We talk about nightclubs in the city, his youth center job, and South Africa, where he plans to volunteer next year. It’s all very civilized. Until the balls make an appearance.

Papa Honey is a retired sports and history teacher. He taught Honey, who’s just retired from professional volleyball, how to play. Sport is so written in this family’s DNA that Grandma gets into it. Apparently she used to attend all of Honey’s matches, screaming passionately from the sidelines. She’s doing the same from a lawn chair today, as we stand in a circle in the park, hitting a volleyball around.

I’m sweating like Jezebel in a Jesus joint, in 3-inch high platforms, wide leg jeans a la Victoria Beckham, and a suede jacket. It wasn’t quite warm enough to take the jacket off, and even if it were, the flowery little top underneath wasn’t meant to go solo. Nevertheless, Papa Honey is impressed enough with my skills that he gives me a few pointers.

I’m getting my Gabrielle Reese on, when Papa’s sister and I go for the same ball. Her, “Ich! Ich!” doesn’t register as “I got it this!”. So I move in on it. So does she. She jerks her clasped hands up to hit the ball. My face is in the way.

Auntie Honey punches me dead in the eye.

My eye is stinging and filling up with water, but can see the whole family running over, arms outstretched, horrified expressions on their beautiful faces.

“You ok? Alle ist gut? Alle ist gut?”

“Yeah. That’s why they give you two eyeballs, “ I answer, and give ‘em all “no-big-deal” shrugs.

“That was the initiation,” Honey whispers, and kisses my forehead. I laugh. And keep on playing. One eye open.
…

I date men who are not American. Stands to reason–I’ve lived in 5 different European countries over the last 12 years, with an autumn-long stint in Nepal last year. Only the parents of 1 out of my last 3 boyfriends, spoke English. I didn’t speak their languages either. (Seriously, who speaks Serbian??) This, however, has never been cause for concern for me. Why? As much as 94% of all communication is nonverbal. Therein lies the key to cross cultural communication, especially in the face of a language barrier. Sure, I’ll have to learn German sooner rather than later. But that will just be icing on the cake for Honey’s family and me. We already have such a great rapport that my learning German will only mean that Papa Honey can no longer get away with trash talk on the badminton court on Sundays.

Furthermore, communication barriers, at least initially, are not just about language. They can be cultural: what if you’re just not clear on what’s appropriate to say? My family talks sex and politics pretty freely…does his? Communication barriers can also be personal. Shyness can inhibit your ability to express yourself to strangers. In my experience, your body is the antidote. Get in there. Get physical. It’s a foolproof way to make a good impression, and beyond, to bond. Let me share just a few words on what’s worked for me in the past.

I discovered a few of them think that because there are few blacks in some of these places that, they would not be comfortable going.  Well, there are numerous places in the US where we could say the same thing. I don’t understand this fear and inhibition but I do rejoice in those who have gone out and claimed their piece of the globe.  I would advise anyone not to let the fear of racism keep them from taking advantage of an opportunity that could be once in a lifetime.  I have  “been the only one” or one of a few black people in a class, work or even church countless times.  Depending upon the situation, I have try to use those opportunities to educate folks.

Racism is everywhere and not going away anytime soon. Life goes on. Just think if the phenomenal woman Gloria Ray Karlmark, one of the “Little Rock Nine” let her circumstances limit her potential. She may have never become a chemist, she may never have met and married a Swedish man nor be in a position to head Fortune 500 companies in Sweden, Belgium or Holland. Gloria Karlmark may not have become the award winning and innovative power house she turned out to be had she not taken some risks and stepped out on faith.  Just check out Gloria Ray Karlmark on Swedish television talking about then candidate Obama and the possibility of him becoming the first US black president (2008).

Sweden is also home to another super achieving, black American woman.  She is Black Women in Europe Network  founder Adrianne George Lind. Adrianne is from Washington DC and was exposed to the international world as a youngster.  She had close family members who lived and worked overseas and that led to her being bitten by the travel adventure bug.  Adrianne used education as her ticket to cross the Atlantic and has since travled the globe. She obtained a Master’s degree in Marketing and PR in Belgium where she met her Swedish husband.  Married to the love of her life, Adrianne is now living in Sweden.  If she had any hesitancy about going overseas, Adrianne would never have left the states. She is another prime example of what we can accomplish given opportunity coupled with desire and passion. So seek out educational opportunities and go for it.

Adrianne has become an International power broker who has built two networks the other being co-founder of Women of the African Diaspora. She is also co-founder and editor of Black ExPat Magazine.  Adrianne also runs the BWIE Blog  and hosts two BWIE subgroups in Facebook (one for women exclusively living, studying or working abroad, and one for those abroad and women in the US).  In 2010, Adrianne was inspired by Forbes Magazine World’s 100 Most Powerful Women List.  She went right into action creating and publishing the first (and two subsequent) Most Powerful Black Women in Europe List 2010.  My dear friend gets a heartfelt thanks from me for creating the networks where I met so many wonderful people I otherwise may never have known. (2011 list – 2012 list)

Thanks to Adrianne, I was inspired to compile a list of programs and schools.  As an information broker, I had received some requests for information about studying abroad — specifically Europe. Most universities in Finland, Norway, Sweden, Germany and many other EU countries are tuition FREE even for foreigners.  At least they used to be more than there are now.  So many non EU students were taking advantage of those opportunities so some countries have started charging.  Many remain free, so those who are interested will have to be diligent and research well. As always beware of scams and know that you will still have to demonstrate financial stability.  Some may wonder why bother if you still have to sustain yourself financially.  Well, you would have to sustain yourself financially at home anyway, so why not experience life abroad even if for one semester?  Where there is a will there is a way.  What better reason to live abroad is there other than to pursue education?   Ok, besides love, a killer job, extended vacation and maybe medical treatment?  Obtaining a quality degree makes school rank pretty high up on the list.

Explore the Country, Explore the Programs.

These degrees are offered in English. You can get your degree and not have to worry about learning the language of the host country for some programs.  A few countries require proof that you are learning their language.  Of course it would be best if you did learn the language, but for those that don’t it is one less stress while you are completing your education.  Two years ago, my friend Gavaza got a Masters in International Peace Studies in Finland in English and it was free.   She had to pay some room and board, but tuition was entirely free for her two year program. And she was paid for her internship.  Most can get part time jobs to help defray expenses. I say if at all possible, we should take advantage of these opportunities. The language skills alone should one become fluent gives you a additional skill that may prove useful upon returning to the States.  Even for those of us with professional degrees and who are already working could consider time abroad for study. This is easier for single people who don’t have families and homes, but on the other hand people are taking their spouses and families abroad all the time.

I met a sister on the BWE Social Network (a Tuskegee Veterinary School graduate) named Priscilla Bowen, DVM, Ph.D.  Her husband who is also a veterinarian, was offered an opportunity to receive specialized training in animal neurosurgery in Switzerland.  Dr. Bowen was not about to twiddle her thumbs while her husband was in training all day.  She wasted no time researching and found her own educational opportunity.  Dr. Bowen found, enrolled in and completed a Ph.d. program at the University of Zurich Veterinary School.  I asked Dr. Bowen if she would mentor a young black high school student who wanted to be a veterinarian.  Dr. Bowen was more than eager to mentor and graciously asked me to pass on her contact information to the young lady.  That is what it is all about.  It didn’t matter that we had never met, she was willing to reach out to young black women in any school pursuing their dream of becoming a veterinarian.

You can find almost any program in Europe including veterinarian medicine as we just learned.  Some schools in the smaller EU countries also seek international students as they all boast of wonderful educational opportunities.  You could go to medical school in Romania or Hungary.   You could get an Engineering degree in Norway, or study physics in Germany.  It doesn’t hurt to just check things out.  This also goes for spouses of those in Embassy jobs or with the US State Department or as we saw with Dr. Bowen someone in school.  Putting your mind to anything, you can make it work.   There is more research to do as I have barely scratched the surface.  Those of you whose curiosities have been piqued have your homework cut out for you.  Just know that some of these institutions have the been around for centuries and offer an education equal to or even surpass US educational standards.

Sweden. Korea. Spain. England. Japan. France. Germany. Italy. Brazil. The List is Long.

With passport in hand, have your necessary paperwork ready for visa applications, apply and wait for your acceptance letters.  Asia offers some opportunities too.  Regina Walton went to Korea specifically for school and started a blog as “Expat Jane“.  She completed a Master’s degree in International Studies at Ewha Women’s University.  Regina was able to learn Korean and even wrote a column for the Korean Herald. Regina told me that it was a fluke that she just happened to see an advertisement for the program and applied. She did not speak Korean at all, but because the program was offered in English, she went for it. Regina graduated from UCLA law school before going to Korea but she now writes for a living in Northern California.

Sweden has over 600 programs in English.  One of my friends was accepted to an online Master’s program in Digital Library and Information Services at the University of Boras Swedish School of Library and Information Science in Boras, Sweden. She was one of 40 applicants admitted out of 400!! Her prayers were answered as she wanted an opportunity to go back to school and travel. The best part was that it is FREE!! As my friend stated, “It is a well-kept secret about free education in Europe, but we don’t know for how long.”   So, get moving if that is what you want to do. You can’t beat studies for free online or on campus. But realistically you have to do your homework and again have the means to support yourself.  Seek out internships, jobs, host families even affiliated churches may help with housing.  We have a young lady from France visiting Los Angeles for a 3 month drama class she found online.  The young lady contacted the church I attend and told us of her intentions and needs.  One of our members gladly hosted her while she is here.  That is out of the box thinking that saved her a fortune in housing.  It worked out great!

Here are some links to consider and remember this is just a small sampling of what is out there. Even if the school is not free, they may have scholarships or grants. Just ask someone at the school of your interest. If you know of programs, please list them in the comments. Again, good luck to all takers!

Bonus:  Find Bachelor’s Studies in Europe has an extensive list of all colleges in EU. Once you put in your search options, you can list the results by tuition. There are several pages of tuition free institutions listed.  This site has also has information on Master and Ph.D. programs. (Thanks Ashley!)

If you can’t find a suitable free program, you may be able to get financial aid to attend some overseas schools.  FAFSA International Universities  is a directory of institutions worldwide where U.S. students can use their financial aid for short term study abroad or even to get an undergraduate or master’s degree!  This link is to their Facebook page as I can’t seem to find the actual directory.  But if interested you could contact them via email  on Facebook.  (Thanks Sherise!)

The actual FAFSA website may prove useful too as you would need the school codes anyway.

This is general information from an India site about education in Europe, US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. You will have to look through to find what you need, but the effort is probably well worth it.

Here is a listing  of European Union universities with graduate programs.

These schools are highly competitive and very reputable, so study will require dedication and hard work if you are accepted.

Check out the accreditation  of the various schools

Listing of universities

Sweden 

Linköping University is fully accredited and reputable  in Sweden.  LIU is offering tuition free doctorate degrees in English.   If you could find an online program, it would be ideal.

A listing of all the Swedish Universities offering Master level degrees in English. Most are tuition free.

A Wikipedia listing as well

This is a great site that leads to other international graduate information

Denmark 

Finland

U of Helsinki Finland

Finland 

Norway

Univeristy of Oslo

Iceland   University of Iceland. Icelandic schools don’t have tuition but registration fees. They also have a nice student loan program.

Listing of state and private Icelandic Universities

Netherlands

http://www.studyinholland.nl/

http://www.nuffic.nl/international-students/study-options

http://www.studyinholland.nl/

http://www.eurogates.nl/

http://www.isparis.edu/page.cfm?p=550

http://www.english.uva.nl/start.cfm

http://studylink.com/study-in-netherlands/

http://www.internationalgraduate.net/country/europe/netherlands.htm

Funding info for the Netherlands

Belgium

Hasselt is a Belgian University that charges, but may have some reduced tuition. You have to call and talk to people or at least email. You never know what kind of opportunities you may get just by asking questions.

Estonia   Study in Estonia (may have scholarships) 100 or more programs in English and they have EU status.

Italy 

Spain

Germany    (Higher education is free for everyone)

University of Stuttgart

University of Ulm

More great info from Germany

http://www.study-in.de/en/

http://www.admissionglobal.com/study_germany.asp

http://www.scholars4dev.com/category/country/europe-scholarships/germany-scholarships/

Hungary

Romainia 

Ukraine 

Bulgaria 

Croatia    (not free but they do have scholarships)

Slovakia

Slovenia    (not free)

Czech Republic

Lithuania

Latvia 

Russia

France    general info and does not appear to be free

Poland 

Switzerland   (not free)

Listing of Australian Schools or universities with graduate programs (Not Free)

Listing of UK schools  or universities with graduate programs (Not Free)

Listing of New Zealand schools or universities with graduate programs (Not Free)

Ladies, many of you want to go to Europe, Asia or Australia. I am an advocate of international travel if for nothing else, the experience, different people, cultures, food, air and life in general. Many black American women are living happily overseas with their husbands and families. It is not for everyone, but I still advocate visiting. You may wonder how do you do it?

This is Part One of an interview with two expats. Carolyn Vines, author of Black and (a)broad and blog of the same name is an expat living in the Netherlands with her Dutch husband and daughters interviews Adrianne George, founder of the Black Women In Europe Social Network™. Adrianne, an international powerbroker is a Washington DC native living in Sweden shares her journey abroad from conception through fruition. What an inspiration both of these award-winning bloggers are!

I say get your game plan on. Make a plan A, B, C and an exit strategy. If things don’t work out, the same plane that takes you there can bring you back or take you on to the next city to begin the next chapter of your life. The thing is to just get out there and live. Life is too short so go and do you!

This is Part Two of this wonderful interview. You will find out more about Adrianne’s journey and inspiration for the Black Women In Europe Social Network™. and much more. Where there is a will, there is a way!

Learn all about Carolyn and get smart travel advice Black and (a)broad Blog

Read all about black expatriates all over the world Black Expat Magazine

The cashier then says to me, “If you’re interested, we have Tony Blair’s book as well!”

Even though I had a feeling I would regret my question I asked anyway.

“Umm, who is Tony Blair?”

The cashier says to me, “Our previous Prime Minister.”

Well here lies the problem.

I’ve had longer conversations regarding America’s current election and economic state with British people than I have had with any of my fellow American classmates.

Every time one of these conversations arise, I am never expecting it.

The first time was with a club bouncer. After seeing my ID he said, “ I would go with Romney. He’s a great business man, so he’d definitely be able to run the country. Obama’s old news, man!”

I was really surprised to see the average Brit know more about our politics than the names of the people running. It’s not uncommon for the average American to solely be concerned with the party of the candidates running.

But this past weekend I got to see the extent of America’s influence when I joined a group of 20 British students on a retreat to discuss Religion, Politics, and Government.

They said they knew more about American Politics than their own, and that they wish they could vote in our election.

I can’t think of one American that knows the politics of another country better than our own. I would even be surprised to come across a person who had basic knowledge of the Israeli elections that are going on now. Despite the fact that Israel is an important part of our foreign policy.

With American elections slowly coming to a close, it is important to realize how lucky we are to have our voices heard not only for our choice of President, but the propositions within our own state.

Too often we underestimate the power a ballot holds. I’ve heard too many people say that they are not voting because all they have is a choice between two evils. People around the world are looking at the US elections with great enthusiasm and passion.

As Americans reaping the benefits of living in a country as great as ours, we should all take the time to vote. Because the reality is, none of the candidates are evil. They both have a plan to help this country, and are taking the time to promote these plans.  As American citizens we should be taking the small amount of time it takes to cast a ballot and have our voices be heard, while putting this action in perspective. People around the world can see the importance and impact of our elections. Why can’t we?