Study Abroad Participation Off, But Firm

Nov. 15, 2010 - PRLog -- The Institute for International Education released the latest numbers for U.S. students earning credits abroad during 2008/09. During the onset of the recession, participation dipped slightly in 2008/09 to 260,327 from 262,416 the previous year.

At the student profile level, there were declines and increases. White student participation was off 1.6% from 81.8% in 2007/08 to 80.5% in 2008/09. Black and Latino participation increased from 4.0 to 4.2% and 5.9 to 6.0%, respectively, during the 2007/08 to 2008/09 period.

“Although we want to see the numbers for everyone increase, we are pleased with the direction for underrepresented students. More has to be done though to move the needle on study abroad diversity however. That is why we created the Study Abroad/Global Engagement Consortium model to increase African and Latino American student accessibility, Minority-Serving Institution (MSI) collaboration and stretch international education investment”-- said Steven W. Jones, president and CEO of IERC Education Foundation.

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IERC Education Foundation promotes study abroad through advocacy for the Senator Paul Simon Study Abroad Foundation Act. IERCEF also develops study abroad programs via direct design or strategic partnerships with a specific focus on students of Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Community Colleges and Public High Schools for the purposes of increasing: the proportion and demographic mix of U.S. students (and their institutions)who study abroad; increasing the talent pool of students with international competencies and knowledge of global issues, therefore IERCEF also advocates for Critical Need Language acquisition. IERC Education Foundation is committed to enhancing the degree attainment, employability and global competitiveness of America’s underserved graduates.