Exploring International Education: American Students Abroad

Studying abroad is a popular choice for many American university students, with Italy, the United Kingdom, Spain, and France being the most sought-after destinations. In the 2022-23 academic year, 280,716 American students chose to study abroad, a 49% increase from the previous year. This number represents one per cent of all American students enrolled at higher education institutions in the United States and less than 10 per cent of American college graduates. The benefits of studying abroad are significant, with 93% of students who participated in an international program finding employment within six months of graduation. However, financial barriers and other obstacles prevent many American students from taking advantage of these opportunities.

The number of American students studying abroad dropped by 91% from 2019-2020 to 2020-2021

The number of American students studying abroad saw a drastic decline from 2019-2020 to 2020-2021, dropping by a significant 91%. This decrease is largely attributed to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused disruptions to international travel and raised safety concerns for students and their families.

In the 2019-2020 academic year, the number of American students studying abroad stood at 162,633. However, the following year, the figure plummeted to 14,549, a substantial reduction. This decline is not an isolated incident, as international student mobility experienced a similar downturn during the pandemic. According to Anthony Miranda, Counselor for Cultural and Educational Affairs at the US Embassy, the overall decrease in international students in the US was about 15% during this period.

Despite this setback, the US remains a top destination for international students seeking higher education. In the 2020-2021 academic year, Indian students comprised nearly 20% of international students in the US, constituting the second-largest group after those from China. The US Embassy's efforts to ensure safe travel and transitions for students during the pandemic contributed to its continued appeal.

While the pandemic played a significant role in the decline of American students studying abroad, other factors also come into play. Financial considerations, competition from the job market, and the complexity of the application process, including technical difficulties with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (Fafsa), may have contributed to the decrease in enrollment for overseas studies.

To address the drop in numbers and make studying abroad more accessible, organizations like the Institute of International Education (IIE) have stepped in. IIE's American Passport Project, established in 2021, aims to help 10,000 students acquire passports by the end of the decade. By awarding funds to colleges and universities, the project supports students with financial needs, especially those from minority-serving institutions and community colleges.

In 2022/23, 280,716 US students studied abroad for academic credit

The top destinations for US students studying abroad in 2022/23 included Italy, the United Kingdom, Spain, and France, with nearly half of all students choosing these four countries. These countries have consistently ranked as the most popular over the years, with Germany and China also making it to the top destinations in 2015/16.

The profile of US students studying abroad remains consistent. The majority of students identify as women, with an increasing number of students of color participating. The leading fields of study for students pursuing education overseas are business and management, followed by social sciences.

Studying abroad provides students with numerous benefits, including gaining global skills, enhancing employability, and promoting cultural exchange. Organizations like the Institute of International Education and universities are working to increase participation and diversity in study abroad programs, ensuring access to all students regardless of socioeconomic status.

Italy, the UK, Spain, and France are the most popular study abroad destinations

In the 2015/16 academic year, 325,339 American students studied abroad for academic credit, with the number increasing to 280,716 in 2022/23. The most popular destination for American students is the United Kingdom, followed by Italy, Spain, and France. These four countries, along with Ireland, account for 50% of American students studying abroad.

Italy, the UK, Spain, and France are all located in Western Europe, a region that has seen a decline in interest from American students in recent years. Despite this, these four countries remain the most popular study abroad destinations. This may be due to their proximity to other European countries, making it easy for students to travel and explore multiple places during their time abroad. For example, Italy provides easy access to France, Switzerland, Austria, and Slovakia, while Spain offers proximity to France, Portugal, and Morocco.

Each country also has its unique attractions, activities, and cultural offerings. Italy and Spain, in particular, are known for their charming cities, renowned sites, delicious food, and fantastic weather. Rome, for instance, boasts the legendary Colosseum, while Granada is home to the breathtaking Alhambra. Both countries have the most UNESCO World Heritage sites in the world. Additionally, Italy and Spain offer similar rent prices, with Spain having a slightly lower overall cost of living.

When it comes to language, Italy may be more suitable for those who do not want to learn a new language, as it offers more programs without language requirements. On the other hand, Spain may be preferable for those who want to learn Spanish, as most programs require some knowledge of the language or include language classes.

The UK and France also have their unique appeals, such as world-class museums, historical sites, and vibrant cities. Overall, the popularity of these destinations among American students can be attributed to a combination of cultural, academic, and logistical factors, as well as their proximity to other European countries.

The number of US students studying abroad increased by 49% from 2021-22 to 2022-23

The number of US students studying abroad increased significantly from 2021-22 to 2022-23, reflecting a broader post-pandemic recovery in international educational exchange. The 49% increase in American students studying abroad brought the total number to 280,716, a notable rise from the 14,549 students who studied abroad in 2020-21 and closer to the pre-pandemic figure of 350,000 in 2018-19.

This increase is part of a broader trend of US students seeking international educational experiences. In 2022-23, more than 400,000 US students engaged in global educational experiences, including non-credit experiential activities, online global learning, and full-degree programs abroad. This reflects a growing interest in short-term programs, with 60% of students in 2015-16 participating in programs less than eight weeks long, and a preference for traditional destinations, with Italy, the United Kingdom, Spain, and France consistently ranking as the top host countries.

The rise in American students studying abroad is significant, as it represents a growing recognition of the value of international educational exchange. Studying abroad can provide students with global skills, enhance their employability, and create personal and professional opportunities. It also addresses the need for internationally competent personnel in US companies, as highlighted in a 2014 survey, which found that 39% of companies missed international business opportunities due to a lack of employees with international expertise.

The increase in US students studying abroad is a positive development, fostering cultural exchange, international cooperation, and a more globally competent workforce. It also aligns with initiatives such as the Senator Paul Simon Study Abroad Program Act, which aims to expand and diversify study abroad opportunities for US students.

Students majoring in STEM make up the largest proportion of students studying abroad

In the academic year 2015/16, a total of 325,339 US students studied abroad for academic credit. Of these students, 25% were majoring in STEM fields, making up the largest proportion of students studying abroad. This includes agriculture, engineering, health professions, maths, computer science, and physical or life sciences majors.

STEM students can benefit greatly from studying abroad, as they will be able to gain valuable international experience and collaborate with multicultural, international teams. This is vital as they will be creating technologies that may impact the world and working with international teams in their future careers. Studying abroad also allows STEM students to gain hands-on experience, with fieldwork opportunities in over 70 programs around the world. They can conduct independent research alongside field experts and study in world-class research stations and international companies in 45 global cities. For example, students can learn about mechanical engineering at a start-up in Berlin, or tropical ecology in a Costa Rican rainforest.

There are also many programs and scholarships available to support STEM students who want to study abroad. CIEE, for example, offers courses in biology, chemistry, ecology, engineering, environmental science, math, physics, public and community health, statistics, and computer programming in 12 locations around the world. These courses are taught in English, and students can also take language classes to improve their proficiency. CIEE also offers merit scholarships to students studying health sciences, nursing, public health, tropical and marine ecology, and undergraduate research. The American Passport Project is another example of an initiative to help students obtain passports and plan to study abroad.

The number of US students studying abroad has decreased in recent years, with 350,000 students studying abroad in 2018-19, 162,633 in 2019-20, and 14,549 in 2020-21. However, the number of US students studying abroad in the 2022-23 academic year increased by 49% to 280,716 students.

Frequently asked questions