Underrepresented Students and Study Abroad: What Is Missing?

Abstract

Institutions of higher education have acknowledged the importance of global education and global awareness as a necessity for graduates. Study abroad is one aspect of global education that universities have embraced. The number of American students studying abroad has risen dramatically for the last ten years. Students categorized with underrepresented racial populations study abroad less than White students and consequently have not seen the same dramatic increase or high numbers in participation. This study will review the participation of students from an underrepresented racial category in study abroad programs to further examine why this population is missing from the global education initiative.