Savanna Hoffman
Studying abroad is a popular option for American university students, with many choosing to spend a semester or two at a university in another country. In the 2022-23 academic year, 280,716 American students studied abroad for credit, an increase of 49% from the previous year. This number represents 1% of all US students enrolled at institutions of higher education in the US and less than 10% of US college graduates. However, it is worth noting that the number of Americans studying abroad has varied significantly in recent years, with a high of 350,000 in 2018-19 and a low of 14,549 in 2020-21. While studying abroad provides expansive benefits and possibilities, particularly for underrepresented students, there are also financial and logistical barriers that may prevent some students from pursuing this opportunity.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of American students studying abroad in 2022-23 | 280,716 |
| Percentage increase from the previous year | 49% |
| Number of American students studying abroad in 2021-22 | 170,000 |
| Number of American students studying abroad in 2020-21 | 14,549 |
| Number of American students studying abroad in 2019-20 | 162,633 |
| Number of American students studying abroad in 2018-19 | 350,000 |
| Percentage of American university students studying abroad | 2.7% to 6% |
| Percentage of minority students studying abroad | 28.4% |
| Top 5 countries where American students study abroad | Spain, Italy, the United Kingdom, France, and Ireland |
| Fields of study of students studying abroad | STEM (25%), Business and Management (20%), Social Sciences (17%) |
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What You'll Learn
Benefits of studying abroad
According to a few sources, only around 6% of American college students study abroad. However, another source states that the number of US students studying abroad for credit during the 2022-23 academic year increased by 49% to 280,716. This represents one percent of all US students enrolled at institutions of higher education in the US and less than 10% of US college graduates.
Studying abroad offers numerous benefits that can enrich a student's life during their studies and beyond. Here are some of the key advantages:
Cultural Immersion and Broader Worldview:
Studying abroad allows students to immerse themselves in a new culture, broadening their worldview and helping them see the world differently. They can explore new terrains, natural wonders, museums, and landmarks in their host country and beyond. This exposure to different customs, values, and lifestyles fosters a more open-minded and globally conscious perspective.
Enhanced Language Skills:
Living and studying in a foreign country is an excellent opportunity for students to improve their language skills. Being surrounded by native speakers and immersed in the language daily is the best way to become fluent and understand the nuances of communication. Learning a foreign language can increase cognitive flexibility, enhance communication skills, and provide a competitive advantage in the job market.
Academic and Professional Opportunities:
Studying abroad provides access to new academic opportunities, including diverse faculty, instructors, and areas of expertise. Students can develop connections with professors and international peers, fostering future collaborations. Additionally, studying abroad demonstrates adaptability, a willingness to learn, and a commitment to education, all of which are valued by graduate schools and future employers. It also enhances employability by preparing students to work in diverse environments and highlighting their ability to navigate cross-cultural communication.
Building a Global Network:
International study allows students to build a global network of friends and professional connections. Interacting with students, academics, and locals from different countries can open doors to international organizations and future career prospects. It showcases a student's ability to communicate cross-culturally and work effectively with diverse peers, which are highly valued skills in today's global marketplace.
Personal Growth and Independence:
Embarking on a study abroad journey encourages personal growth and the development of independence. Students often discover new interests and talents, step out of their comfort zones, and gain a better understanding of themselves and others. They learn to navigate diverse situations, adapt to new environments, and solve problems independently. These experiences foster resilience, maturity, and a sense of self-reliance that can benefit individuals throughout their lives.
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Destinations of choice
While the number of American students studying abroad has been increasing, with 280,716 students studying outside the US in the 2022-23 academic year, the diversity of study abroad participation needs to be improved, with minority students being underrepresented.
The most popular destinations for American students studying abroad are in Europe, with 50% of students studying in just five countries: Spain, Italy, the United Kingdom, France, and Ireland. These countries offer the benefit of familiar cultures and languages, making them attractive choices for American students.
Other popular European destinations include Germany, Switzerland, and Hungary, with students taking advantage of the opportunity to travel within the continent during their studies.
Outside of Europe, American students are increasingly choosing to study in Asia, with Japan and China being popular destinations. These countries offer unique cultural experiences and the opportunity to learn about the region's growing economic and political influence. Additionally, some American students are choosing to study in Latin America, with Cuba seeing a 58.6% increase in American students in 2015-16.
American students are also exploring Oceania, with Australia being a popular choice, and New Zealand offering a more off-the-beaten-path experience.
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Demographics of students studying abroad
The demographics of students studying abroad have been changing in recent years. In the 2022-23 academic year, the number of US students studying abroad for credit increased by 49% to 280,716. This represents 1% of all US students enrolled at institutions of higher education in the country, and less than 10% of US college graduates. This is a notable increase, but it is slower than the growth of international students coming to the US.
The demographics of US students studying abroad are still overwhelmingly female (65.3%) and white (76.3%), but the number of minority students has been increasing. The percentage of Hispanic or Latino students abroad has risen by 41% since 2000, making up 7.6% of the total American student population abroad, while the share of African-American students has increased by over 50% in the same period. However, minority students are still greatly underrepresented, and racial and ethnic minorities make up fewer than 25% of all American students abroad.
The most popular destinations for US students studying abroad are in Europe, with 50% of students studying in just five countries: Spain, Italy, the United Kingdom, France, and Ireland. China is the only Asian country in the top ten destinations, and Costa Rica is the only destination in the Americas. The United States is one of the prominent destination countries that host a large share of international students and has been improving its data maintenance on international students. In 2022, there were an estimated 6.9 million international students globally, a 276% increase over the past two decades.
In terms of fields of study, student participation in liberal arts has flattened or declined over the last decade. In the 2000-01 academic year, 14.5% of American students abroad were studying the humanities, which declined to 10.4% by 2012-13. The number of students studying fine or applied arts has also declined, and those studying foreign languages has nearly halved. However, research has shown that studying abroad can have positive outcomes, such as improved graduation rates, better GPAs, and higher completion rates of 2-year degrees.
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Financial barriers
The high financial burden of studying abroad disproportionately affects minority and first-generation students, who are already underrepresented in study abroad programs. According to the 2021 Open Doors report, 70% of US students who study abroad are white. To address this disparity, organizations like the Fund for Education Abroad offer scholarships with preference given to students of colour, first-generation students, and those with high financial need. Similarly, the Oprah Winfrey Endowed Scholars Program provides financial support to Morehouse College students with demonstrated financial need who wish to study abroad.
The cost of studying abroad can also vary depending on the location. An overwhelming majority of US students study abroad in Europe, with 50% of students in just five countries: Spain, Italy, the United Kingdom, France, and Ireland. Studying in non-English speaking countries may be more expensive due to additional language learning costs. However, the increasing popularity of "study abroad influencers" on social media platforms like YouTube and Instagram has encouraged more young Americans to pursue international education, regardless of the financial burden.
To make study abroad programs more accessible, some universities are offering semesters abroad at or below the cost of a semester on their home campus. For example, Rutgers University's Access the World program received an honourable mention from IIE's Andrew Heiskell Award for its innovative initiative to shift funding from traditional scholarships to subsidies. Additionally, students can often apply their financial aid packages to study abroad programs, and various scholarships are available specifically for international study. Despite these efforts, the financial burden of studying abroad remains a significant challenge for many American students, with only 6% of American college students choosing to pursue international education.
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Impact on employment prospects
Studying abroad has a significant impact on the employment prospects of American university students. Firstly, it enhances their employability by providing them with valuable international experience and cultural awareness, which are highly valued by employers in today's global economy. This is especially beneficial for those seeking careers in international business or wishing to work for multinational companies.
Secondly, studying abroad contributes to the development of essential soft skills that are sought after by 21st-century employers. These include communication skills, interpersonal skills, teamwork abilities, and the capacity to understand and work with diverse colleagues and clients. Such skills are often honed during short-term study abroad programs, which tend to be more structured and collaborative. However, longer-term programs offer students the opportunity to pursue more independent experiences, which can also be advantageous in developing initiative and adaptability.
Additionally, studying abroad can lead to specific career opportunities that may not have otherwise been available. It allows students to build global networks and make international connections within their chosen fields. This can open doors to unique job prospects, internships, or collaborations that provide a competitive edge in the job market.
The impact of studying abroad on employment prospects is further supported by statistical evidence. According to a study by IIE, 68% of alumni who studied abroad for an academic year reported that their international experience contributed to a job offer or promotion. Even among those who were unsure or did not believe that studying abroad helped them secure a job, many acknowledged that the skills gained during their time overseas proved relevant and beneficial throughout their careers.
Furthermore, studying abroad can enhance a student's attractiveness to graduate schools or postgraduate programs, which can indirectly impact their long-term employment prospects. It demonstrates maturity, adaptability, and a willingness to embrace diverse perspectives, all of which are highly regarded by admissions committees and potential employers alike.
While the benefits of studying abroad are extensive, it is important to acknowledge that the impact on employment prospects can vary depending on the characteristics of the program, the student's goals, and the specific industry they aim to enter. Nonetheless, in a globalized world where international competence is increasingly valued, studying abroad can be a valuable asset for American university students seeking to enhance their career opportunities.
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Frequently asked questions
In the 2022-23 academic year, 280,716 American students studied abroad, which is about 6% of all American college students. This number has increased by 49% from the previous year.
Studying abroad for a semester or two is incredibly common among American university students. However, studying full-time at a university outside an English-speaking country is a lot rarer.
The top 5 destinations for American students studying abroad are the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, France, and Germany.
