NEW YORK, September 14, 2015—Hispanic students are among the least represented in U.S. study abroad programs. Only 8% of all U.S. students who studied abroad in the most recent year identified as Hispanic, while this group represents at least 14% of those enrolled in U.S. higher education. The Institute of International Education is working to increase the number of students who study abroad each year, and diversify the student population that has the opportunity to gain this important international experience.
While cost is a significant barrier, access to information and resources is at least as important. Equipped with the right tools and advice, parents can play a significant role in enabling their children to have a valuable and affordable international experience. With the Spanish language spoken in the homes of more than 38.3 million U.S. residents, the Institute of International Education is making A Parent Guide to Study Abroad available in Spanish, to encourage more students from Spanish-speaking families to consider and prepare for study abroad.
Published in collaboration with the AIFS Foundation and written by three leading study abroad experts—Stacie Nevadomski Berdan, Allan E. Goodman, and William Gertz—this companion guide to A Student Guide to Study Abroad contains critical information parents need to inform themselves and to support their high school or college student as he or she navigates the study abroad experience.
Today’s graduates need a global mindset and international experience to compete for jobs. Studying abroad equips students with real-life, hands-on skills that no classroom can match, while opening up a world of personal and professional opportunities. In this guide, the practical information written specifically for parents becomes more accessible to families of Hispanic students.
Dr. Antonio R. Flores, President and CEO of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU), commented, “Hispanic student representation in study abroad programs remains significantly low. A guide to help Spanish-speaking parents understand the many benefits and financial aid options available for their child to study abroad makes this a very important resource.”
The Spanish language version makes the authors’ strong case for the importance of parental involvement in influencing and shaping a successful cross-cultural experience for students within the reach of many more students, and will encourage family support for students to study abroad.
The guide aids in:
- Clarifying the value of study abroad
- Identifying the right study abroad program
- Figuring out the financials
- Staying safe and healthy abroad
- Preparing for success abroad
- Offering the appropriate mixture of support
- Helping your child leverage the experience for personal and professional success
Both English and Spanish editions are currently available at a discounted bulk rate of 20 copies for $20.00 (or $4.95 each) in the Publications section of IIE.org.
Additional resources for parents and students include IIE’s online directory of study abroad programs, IIEPassport.org, and its database of grants and scholarship opportunities, StudyAbroadFunding.org.
IIE’s Generation Study Abroad initiative is working to make it possible for U.S. students from a broad range of backgrounds to participate in an academic, internship or service-learning experience abroad. In the coming year, IIE Generation Study Abroad Scholarships will be awarded to students through partner campuses. With funding from IIE, the Government of Ireland, STA Travel, and other donors, selected campuses will make awards of $2,500 each to students to enable them to study abroad. Other campuses have pledged to raise money and give scholarships, and study abroad program providers and host campuses have offered scholarships toward the cost of their programs. For details visit the Generation Study Abroad website.
About the Authors
Stacie Nevadomski Berdan is an international careers expert and award-winning author. Based on her work in more than 50 countries, she counsels companies on global issues, and speaks frequently on college campuses on the topic of global careers. Dr. Allan E. Goodman is the President and CEO of the Institute of International Education (IIE), the leading not-for-profit organization in the field of international educational exchange and development training. William Gertz is the President and CEO of the American Institute For Foreign Study (AIFS), which organizes study abroad and cultural exchange programs for more than 30,000 participants each year.
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