The More Things Change, the More They Remain the Same

by Mary Dando

The more things change, the more they remain the same.  Like many of our study abroad alumni who went abroad, especially in the 80s and 90s, I majored in foreign languages and humanities and spent a year abroad in Europe studying literature and culture in a foreign language - in France to be precise.  Back then a small percentage of college students studied abroad.  The impact then was "life-changing," as I'm sure all of our readers will agree.

That has not changed - the impact of study abroad is as impactful as ever.  What has changed, though, especially in the past decade, is the diversity and the number of students who have this life-changing experience.  The full impact of these changes was highlighted at the recent Summit on Generation Study Abroad, held in Washington DC in October.  The Summit, sponsored by the Institute of International Education, brought together institutions and education abroad organizations from around the world who have signed onto the Generation Study Abroad pledge to double the number of U.S. students studying abroad by the end of the decade.  
 
The Summit highlighted many of the major themes that have emerged in study abroad at CU-Boulder in recent years. For one, study abroad is not just for language and humanities majors anymore.  For business students seeking an education to become part of globally minded workplace, study abroad has become an imperative.  (In fact, the Leeds School of Business has set a goal for 100% of its students to go abroad.)  One in five jobs in the U.S. is now linked to international trade, and that number is growing.  Employers seek graduates with global competencies in foreign language, intercultural skills, and problem solving that results from negotiating living in another country.  
 
Students are well aware of the advantages of having a high impact experience abroad.  In fact, one of the largest areas of growth in education abroad nationally is in international internships.  CU-Boulder Study Abroad has responded to this trend by creating an internship position, and by partnering with organizations who have a robust network of company connections in 15 major cities around the globe.  Last year nearly 100 CU students did an international internship, and we expect that number to double in the next few years.
 
Expanding access to study abroad is another key theme of today's study abroad paradigm.  Study Abroad offices around the country are reaching out to more first generation and students of color.  Indeed, the CU-Boulder Global Opportunity Scholars (GO Scholars) are a great example highlighting this movement.  In partnership with the Office of Diversity, Equity and Community Engagement (ODECE), we offer “planning scholarships” of up to $4,000 to 25 incoming first year students each year. These students are nominated by CU LEAD Alliance programs like the Engineering BOLD Center, Leeds Diversity Scholars, Miramontes Arts & Sciences Program, the McNeill Academic Program, the Ethnic Living & Learning Leadership RAP, and more. 
 
Students can use the scholarship during the first 4 years of their college careers to study abroad for a semester or a summer.  The GO Scholars program aims to reduce financial barriers and prepare students for study abroad through individual mentoring and a seminar series.
 
Expanding access to more diverse locations around the globe is a final theme.  Whereas decades ago nearly 80% of students studied abroad in Europe, that number is now 55%.  Increasingly students are studying in Latin America, Asia, and Africa.
 
Ultimately, as we add new program options, locations, and reach new students we are striving to accomplish the same goals that we always have. We want our students to have a life-changing experience learning and living overseas, just like I did when I studied abroad. Our new initiatives and efforts are done with the aim of making this amazing opportunity available to all of our students, regardless of their major, financial situation, or background.