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Introductory note: “Study abroad contributes in vital ways to preparing students for the competitive global environment into which they will graduate and should be the norm, not the exception, across U.S. higher education.” –NAFSA Association of International Educators
It is often said that studying abroad can be a life changing experience, especially when the student returns raving about how much fun they had abroad. However, while the fun is definitely a highlight, it is important to redirect some focus on the value, and not just the fun, of study abroad.
Study abroad is a unique learning opportunity that enables students to develop critical skills that employers value in college graduates. Employers from nearly any career path will value a graduate’s ability to speak a foreign language, tolerance for ambiguity, cultural competency, and strong capabilities in problem-solving and analysis. In our increasingly diverse and globalized world, it is becoming more and more important for college graduates to enter the workforce with such global skills.
As educational leaders, it is our responsibility to guide students and encourage them to seek experiences that will enrich their lives academically and professionally. We may encourage them to try new study habits, to get involved in extra-curricular activities, or seek an internship- all things that contribute to their academic, personal, and professional development, so why not encourage them to study abroad? The key is to make study abroad an integral part of the academic conversation as much as we talk about majors, internships, and volunteering. There are many institutions where this is already the case and where the study abroad office is a central and well-known part of campus. Nonetheless, the more we talk about study abroad collectively the more we can make study abroad the norm, not just the exception, across higher education.
Let’s take a look at what study abroad currently looks like in the United States. The number of U.S. students studying abroad is at an all time high, with 304, 467 in academic year 2013/14 compared to 191,231 in 2003/04 [1]. While that is definitely a significant increase to celebrate, that is still only 1 in 10 U.S. undergraduate college students who are studying abroad. To address the challenge of encouraging more U.S. students to study abroad, the Institute of International Education created Generation Study Abroad, a national campaign to double the number of students who study abroad by the end of the decade [1]. This campaign also works to expand diversity of participation in race and ethnicity, academic disciplines, and destinations of those who study abroad.
Diversity is another big challenge of study abroad participation. Currently, White students make up about 75% of US study abroad participation while minority races and ethnicities make up the rest of the 25% altogether [1]. Racial and ethnic minorities are historically underrepresented in higher education, so it makes sense that they are also underrepresented in study abroad, right? Well, not quite. Overall enrollment in higher education has seen a 39% increase between 1984 and 2004, and in that same time span, has also seen racial and ethnic minority student enrollment more than double, increasing from 1.9 million to 4.7 million [2]. However, despite the significant increases in enrollment among racial/ethnic minority students in higher education, minority representation in study abroad does not reflect the national trends, as illustrated above.
Simply put, study abroad is an invaluable opportunity that is being disproportionately shared. We must consider this as we face the challenge of increasing the rates of study abroad for all kinds of students. As leaders in education, we can do our part by being advocates of high-impact opportunities like study abroad- not just traveling, but studying abroad. Whether it’s an exchange, internship, or volunteerwork, an international learning opportunity is an opportunity to learn about others, to learn about ourselves, and become leaders of a globalized world.
Be the change you wish to see in the world. –Mahatma Gandhi
[1] Institute of International Education. (2015). "Profile of U.S. Study Abroad Students, 2000/01-2012/13." Open Doors Report on International Educational Exchange. Retrieved from http://www.iie.org/opendoors
[2] Salisbury, M. H., Paulsen, M. B., & Pascarella, E.T. (2010). Why do All the Study Abroad Students Look Alike? Applying an Integrated Student Choice Model to Explore Differences in the Factors that Influence White and Minority Students’ Intent to Study Abroad. Springer Science + Business Media (52), 123-150.
- Jennifer Aguayo, Social Chair for ELPA LEADS