A recent article in The Philadelphia Inquirer focused on racial disparities in regard to study abroad. According to the article, white students comprise 81 percent of students who study abroad but only 63 percent of enrolled college students. The article points to a few factors for this misrepresentation of American students abroad: lack of funds and fear of racism to name a few.
The article stated, “’Minority students don't need to seek out cross-cultural experiences by traveling to another country because in most cases — especially as students at majority white postsecondary institutions — they already interact across cultural differences every day,’ Salisbury and two co-authors wrote in a study to be published in March by Research in Higher Education.”
Congress implemented the Gillman Scholarship in 2001 to provide monetary resources to Pell Grant recipients to foster a community of study abroad. U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., is also proposing increased funds allocated to promoting study abroad. "Expanding study abroad should be a national priority," Durbin said. “The future of the country depends on globally literate citizens who are at ease in the world."
The president and lawmakers alike realize the importance of study abroad. Hopefully with increased funding and scholarship opportunities, more students will be able to afford the experience and contribute to being global citizens.
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