Current Trends in U.S. Study Abroad and the Impact of Strategic Diversity Initiatives

This May 2007 IIE White Paper represents the first of the Institute’s new policy research series. It assesses current trends in study abroad in the United States, providing a benchmark for future expansion. It includes an analysis of existing strategic funding initiatives – such as the Gilman, Boren and Freeman-ASIA Scholarships – showing how resource allocation can influence the diversity of participants, geographic destinations, field of study and length of study. In addition, the paper highlights institutions that have created specific program models that better facilitate a more diverse group of students participating in study abroad.

About IIE’s Meeting America’s Global Education Challenge White Paper Series
Through a series of surveys and dialogs, the Institute of International Education in 2007 launched a new policy research initiative to address the issue of capacity abroad (especially in non-traditional destinations) to host a greatly increased number of U.S. students, and to assure that U.S. campuses have the resources and structures available to prepare and send them.

This IIE initiative, Meeting America’s Global Education Challenge, offers educators and policymakers focused data and information on current capabilities and future capacity, as well as recommendations for action to maximize resources and pave the way for substantial study abroad growth.