Support a Young Gifted and Black Creative Study Abroad

Jordan Sweet Start Date: Nov 5, 2021 - End Date: Mar 4, 2022
  • Intern Abroad
  • Study/Degree Abroad
  • Professional Development
  • Milan, Italy

My Travel Story

by: Jordan Sweet Start Date: Nov 5, 2021 - End Date: Mar 4, 2022
  • Intern Abroad
  • Study/Degree Abroad
  • Professional Development
My name is Jordan Sweet, and I am a third year marketing student at the Univeristy of Illinois Chicago. Studying Fashion Design & Merchandising in Milan Italy, will provide me with extensive opportunities for academic and professional growth. Immersing myself into the language, fashion industry, and culture of Milan for four months will improve my ability to adapt in the fast-paced entertainment sector as a fashion content creator.

I chose Milan as my host country because of the heavy influence of the 1975 film, Mahogany, starring Diana Ross, had on me growing up. The movie is based on a Chicago fashion design student that moved to Rome, Italy to better her chances at earning respect in the fashion world as an underrepresented Black woman.

While pursuing my passion for fashion design, I will be completing the undergraduate program at the University of Illinois at Chicago. I will be recieving a degree in Business Marketing

My goals for studying abroad in Milan, Italy are included but not limited to gaining skills that I believe will be beneficial for the foreseeable future: the ability to network, the ability to sew and sketch, and obtaining the history of fashion design. I am confident that when I complete my semester in Milan, I will be prepared for the real world of fashion design, having established the important foundational pieces of becoming a fashion designer.

During my abroad experience in Milan, financial aid will be supporting me, but it will not cover all costs. So, extra funding, and/or donations through FundMyTravel will fill the monetary gap, since my main provider, my single mother, will not be able to do so. The possible funding I may receive will allow me to reach my full potential and goals without having any financial distress, including obtaining a loan.

Studying abroad as a Black man is statistically low. As this is not the norm, I will be the second person, first male, out of four college generations, to study abroad. As a traditionally underrepresented student, in order to overcome adversity I prioritize through preparation and persistence. These skills enable me to sufficiently accomplish my goals.

  • Milan, Italy

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