Promoting Study Abroad in Science and Technology Fields

This fifth White Paper in IIE’s study abroad capacity research series examines opportunities to expand student mobility in the disciplines of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), which are consistently underrepresented in study abroad.

It first examines the most recent Open Doors student mobility trends in STEM disciplines, and then features an essay focusing on models for increasing study abroad in the field of engineering. Finally, the paper looks at evaluation for these programs with an essay on STEM program evaluation methods, and a sample evaluation case study. Looking separately at trends, program models, and evaluation in STEM study abroad, the paper offers an overall view of the dynamics of study abroad in these specific fields of study.

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.