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For a wide variety of physical, social, economic, cultural, and academic reasons, certain populations in U.S. higher education tend to be underrepresented in education abroad programs. But, many educators in the field are working diligently to open up these important educational opportunities to more students. BY ALAN DESSOFF
2006 IS THE "YEAR OF STUDY ABROAD" as designated by the U.S. Senate in a resolution last November, and directors of study abroad offices at U.S. colleges and universities are pushing to expand international academic opportunities and encourage more students to take advantage of them. But they are finding it isn't easy to increase underrepresented student participation in study abroad programs.
While U.S. students studying abroad for academic credit reached a record 191,321 in 2003/04, up 9.6 percent over the previous year, most of them were Caucasian women. Male students were outnumbered nearly twoto-one by females; and members of racial and ethnic minorities lagged far behind Caucasian students according to Open Doors 2005, the annual report on international education published by the Institute of International Education (IIE) with funding from the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.
Students in some disciplines, including engineering and math or computer sciences, trailed behind those studying social sciences and the humanities, business and management, and foreign languages, according to Open Doors. In addition, higher education authorities agree that students attending community colleges and those who have disabilities are vastly underrepresented in study abroad programs.
An array of financial, cultural, and institutional obstacles often discourage underrepresented students from even thinking about studying abroad. But educators maintain it is vital to overcome the barriers so these students can join others in gaining an enriching experience.
"Many U.S. campuses now include international education as part of their core education mission, recognizing that increasing the global competence among the next generation is a national priority and an academic responsibility? IIE President Allan E. Goodman said when the latest Open Doors report was issued in November.
"It is critical that students who study abroad mirror all the students who study at U.S. colleges and universities. Those in the field are convinced it makes a significant impact on understanding the world and having a better career," declares Gary Rhodes, director of...