Open Doors Data Shows Trends in U.S. Study Abroad

As part of the Open Doors Data, the Institute of International Education conducted research through more than 3,000 institutions regarding international students studying in the U.S. and U.S. students studying in foreign countries.

The 2010 study found that study abroad rose by 0.8 percent with more than half of the universities surveyed reporting an increase in study abroad enrollment. While enrollment increased, the type of programs differed: More students chose shorter, less expensive trips to less expensive areas of the world. Study abroad to China increased in 54 percent of schools.

As stated in the press release, “Allan E. Goodman, President and CEO of the Institute of International Education, said, ‘International experience provides key skills needed by American graduates to succeed in the global workforce. From this survey, it is clear that U.S. students continue to be deeply interested in studying abroad, and that students and campuses are working together to find ways to enable them to take part in these important opportunities. As educators our challenge remains one of making international a part of what it means to become educated.’"

In these tough economic times, universities face the problem of providing sufficient financial aid to provide these opportunities to students in hopes of further increasing the reach of study abroad.