by Sabrina Thill, Customer Relationship Specialist

Students from the Multicultural Business Program at Cal Poly’s Orfalea College of Business on a faculty-led program in colombia in 2018

Equitable representation of minority groups has become one of the most pressing topics in our society. The situation is no different in international education. As of 2018, white students represented 70% of U.S. study abroad participation, while making up only 56% of the college population. Furthermore, 67% of study abroad participants were female, and participation among men has been diminishing at a greater rate each year.

The challenge of diversifying study abroad has been a pressing topic of discussion in recent years. In fact, in a survey of U.S. institutions and program providers, 80% of participants considered the need to diversify study abroad as high; however, only 30% of those same respondents reported that changing policies and processes to improve access to education abroad was an important part of their action plans. As part of a summer internship with Learn from Travel, my colleague and I spoke to study abroad office advisors at six U.S. universities to understand this disconnect and to identify a strategy for increasing diversity.

Why is Diversity Abroad Important

It is important to ensure that all students have an equal opportunity to study abroad. By not participating in this quintessential college experience, underrepresented students miss out on its benefits such as enhanced cultural awareness, learning outside of the comfort zone, long term friendships, international connections, and increased global engagement.

In terms of career-related benefits, learning a new language and communicating in a foreign culture helps many students improve their communication skills. By simply learning to thrive in a challenging new environment, students overcome a major challenge that can prepare them for similar challenging situations at a new job. Study abroad builds confidence and develops critical thinking and “street smarts”, something students can’t always learn in a classroom. Navigating international transportation, foreign currency, and unfamiliar cultural practices are all examples of this. A much larger percentage of jobs are international now than even a decade before. Study abroad ensure that students are not only global citizens but are prepared for careers in a globalized world.

Challenges to Increasing Diversity in Study Abroad

One study abroad professional we interviewed, Thomas Carter, the Director of International Education at SUNY ESF, said that diversity in study abroad is something many universities continue to struggle with. He finds that the most significant obstacle is money. Financial resources are needed when it comes to increasing diversity.

The long-term programs that take place during the semester can be extremely expensive. While short-term faculty-led programs are not nearly as much, they are typically held during school breaks, which is when a lot of students work to make extra money before returning to school. Added to the cost of a program is the lost income from work, which makes choosing to travel difficult. Furthermore, students who work during the semester lack the time for scholarship applications and fundraising.

We found that universities also struggle to convince parents of underrepresented students. Many simply do not like the idea of their child in a foreign country. Expenses also make parents more hesitant on allowing their child to study abroad

Recommendations Based on Research

Reach out to diverse college groups

Heather Thompson, the director of education abroad at the University of Texas at Austin explained that they find the most success in attracting diverse students by promoting programs through first-generation student organizations. International education staff can easily approach a variety of minority organizations on campus, especially if they can provide some of the additional support listed below.

Engage diverse local partners

Arthur Joyce, a professor at the University of Colorado at Boulder, engages a diverse group of host country collaborators and organizes excursions to diverse regions of the host country. This inherently attracts students from diverse backgrounds.

Host pre-departure information workshops

Maria Korol, a professor at Agnes Scott College, mentioned that her university hosts workshops for “traveling while Black, traveling while Muslim, traveling while gay, etc.” These workshops help students and their parents feel more comfortable and confident about traveling.

These modules may help students feel more comfortable and confident about traveling. Workshops may also provide students with helpful information and tools in order to speak to their parents which can also help increase enrollment.

Work with third-party providers that can help

There are a variety of ways study abroad providers can help increase diversity abroad. Working with a company such as Learn From Travel can help universities take the necessary actions to improve access to education abroad. Learn from Travel is able to work closely with each university in order to determine the right plan of action, ensuring all students are given the opportunity of a lifetime to study abroad.

Provide diversity scholarships

In 2018, Learn from Travel hosted a program in Colombia where some of the students received scholarships for participation from the Multicultural Business Program at the Cal Poly Business School.

Create a financial resources web page

During our interviews with students, we found the need for a web page that connects them to third-party resources that could help finance their study abroad trips. Creating a web page to connect students to available financial resources can greatly increase their ability to study abroad.

Promote short-term programs

Because cost is a major hurdle to diversity in study abroad, the most affordable programs may be the key. These are short-term (one- to six-week programs) led by a faculty member and often facilitated by a third-party provider. Due to their intensive nature, these programs offer many of the same benefits as semester-long study abroad, at a fraction of the cost.

Build interest through virtual programs

While virtual programs are not the same as travel, they can help faculty internationalize a class curriculum and begin to develop an interest in international travel among the students. Virtual programs are also much more affordable and accessible for students of all backgrounds.

Moving Forward with Diversity in Study Abroad

Although minority representation in study abroad has slightly increased over the previous decade, there was little to no increase between 2015 and 2018. Many international education professionals agree the need to diversify study abroad is high, however, not enough have taken action to improve access to education abroad. For faculty and international education staff interested in receiving support with diversifying participation in study abroad, we encourage working together with a third-party provider, such as Learn From Travel, for short-term programs and virtual programs.