Beyond the World You Know: Identity, Cultural Exposure, and the Transformative Power of Studying Abroad

What happens when students discover that their educational opportunities extend far beyond the communities and circumstances they know? In this episode of Beyond The Margins, Dr. Sohn A. Butts welcomes Mr. Franklyn Paris of Bridge Across Education for an engaging conversation about international education, cultural exposure, and expanding postsecondary opportunities for Black students. A Morehouse College graduate who has lived and worked in China since 2014, Franklyn shares how teaching English abroad led to earning a master's degree, learning Mandarin, and discovering opportunities that transformed his understanding of identity, purpose, and possibility. Through Bridge Across Education, Franklyn now works to connect African American students with educational pathways in China, including undergraduate and graduate programs, language immersion experiences, and potential scholarship opportunities. Together, they examine the affordability of international education, the importance of credible programs, the challenges and rewards of living abroad, and how global experiences can develop independence, resilience, and a stronger sense of self. The conversation also raises a larger question for educators, families, and communities: Are we doing enough to expose students to the possibilities we want them to pursue? This episode reminds us that student engagement and educational opportunity are shaped not only by what students experience in classrooms, but also by the worlds we help them discover beyond them.