State of Study Abroad: Addressing Mobility Motivators, Barriers

As higher education and the world recovers from the days of pandemic lock downs and remote learning, traditional study abroad programs are experiencing a resurgence. College students who may have missed out on important milestones in their developmental and educational journeys are eager to travel to gain new independence and a different perspective on the world.

Study abroad numbers are reaching and even surpassing pre-pandemic participation. In fact, nearly three out of four college students expressed interest in study abroad, with 80% howing a particular interest, according to Terra Dotta's second annual study abroad survey of U.S. college students.

Shifting motivation for going abroad

Students’ study abroad motivations, however, have shifted. In last year’s survey, 24% of students indicated their top reason for studying abroad was “to prepare for the global workforce.” This year personal growth was the top reason driving students’ interest in study abroad.

In one way this change reflects the success of institutions’ efforts to convey the wider scope of educational, interpersonal and professional benefits for study abroad. Instead of focusing narrowly on career development, schools and students are increasingly recognizing the value of global experiences more broadly. Studying abroad can provide students with the opportunity to immerse themselves in an unfamiliar culture, learn a new language, develop intercultural competencies and raise their awareness of service learning.

The benefits derived from these experiences solely for the purpose of getting a job has become tangential to their value for overall personal growth. And perhaps this is also due to the survey respondents skewing younger given that 49% of respondents were freshmen and still a few years away from graduation.

Helping students overcome cost barriers to studying abroad

Unfortunately, the study also showed that financial concerns are an obstacle. The cost of study abroad programs is the biggest barrier, with 84% of interested students saying that it is their primary concern.

Although institutions are making strides with sharing study abroad information and improving program accessibility, nearly half of students surveyed say that their institutions should do more to help them learn about financial aid. This can help not only ensure more interested students can study abroad but also can help move the needle for students who haven’t expressed interest. Of the students that were not interested in study abroad, more than one-third said that finances were the biggest limiting factor to not participating. 

Increasing the flow of information

So how can schools best communicate their programs and financial aid opportunities? When asked, not surprisingly, students chose online methods — personal email and websites — as the preferred way for their institution to promote information about study abroad programs, ideas, and availability. But in-person contact was the next-highest preferred communication —revealing the importance of interaction with professors and the importance of faculty helping communicate the benefits of study abroad.

Institutions that use multiple channels to promote study abroad programs can reach a larger and more diverse student audience and increase the chances of attracting participants. Institutions can also increase the opportunities for students to interact with faculty and alumni to learn more about study abroad programs. Faculty and alumni can share their experiences, encourage students to participate in the programs, and provide guidance and support. This approach may be more effective for non-traditional and first-generation students who may not have family members with the experience of study abroad and who might be more concerned about the cost of the programs

The Bottom Line

Overall, interest in study abroad is high among college students and growing. And that interest starts early – even before they set foot on campus. This year, 45% of the students surveyed said they became interested in study abroad in high school. And for the second year in a row more than half of students surveyed revealed that study abroad was a factor in their college selection decision. Yet, cost is still a significant barrier to participation. COVID-19, sociopolitical factors, and family concerns also prevent students from pursuing study abroad.

Institutions that engage with students early in the educational journey and both offer and communicate the necessary study abroad resources can help alleviate student concerns, attract more study abroad participation and increase global student mobility. Students who study abroad are more globally minded, more civically aware and have higher graduation and employability rates, helping ensure their paths to fulfilling professional and personal lives.

Ron Carson is the Chief Marketing Officer of Terra Dotta