Columbia International Affairs Online: Working Papers

CIAO DATE: 04/2009

Current Trends in U.S. Study Abroad & the Impact of Strategic Diversity Initiatives

Daniel Obst, Rajika Bhandari, Sharon Witherell

May 2007

Institute of International Education

Abstract

This May 2007 IIE White Paper represents the first of the Institute's new policy research series on Meeting America's Global Education Challenge. It assesses current trends in study abroad in the United States, providing a benchmark for future expansion. It includes an analysis of existing strategic funding initiatives such as the Gilman, Boren and Freeman-ASIA Scholarships, showing how resource allocation can influence the diversity of participants, geographic destinations, field of study and length of study. In addition, the paper also highlights institutions that have created specific program models that better facilitate a more diverse group of students participating in study abroad.