Expanding Education Abroad at U.S. Community Colleges

This third White Paper in IIE’s study abroad capacity research series, published in September 2008, turns its attention toward U.S. institutions, and focuses on an institutional type unique to the U.S. higher education system: the community college. Education abroad at community colleges has several key characteristics that distinguish it from education abroad at four-year institutions, and these differences necessitate a distinct approach to expanding study abroad opportunities for community college students.

This report provides an overview of education abroad at community colleges, including current trends in study abroad, addresses the challenges in expanding study abroad, and provides recommendations for institutional reform.

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.