Is Study Abroad Still a Privilege? Exploring the Inequality Gap between Intentions and Study Abroad at a Public Midwestern University in the U.S.

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.36366/frontiers.v36i1.803

Keywords:

Logistic regression, NSSE case study, study abroad disparities, study abroad intentions, study abroad participation

Abstract

Although more students study abroad today than in decades prior, participation still lags behind national goals put forth by the Lincoln Commission. Many students plan to study abroad, yet this often does not correspond with actual participation. This gap suggests there are barriers that prevent study abroad intentions from evolving into program enrollment. This study analyzes full population data and a NSSE (National Survey of Student Engagement) subset to distinguish study abroad and non-study abroad student intentions and participation between 2007 and 2017 at Grand Valley State University (GVSU), a public liberal arts university in the U.S. Midwest. The role of demographic, academic, and socioeconomic factors are explored using logistic regression. Findings confirm alignment of study abroad patterns with student characteristics, which represent barriers as well as opportunities for study abroad participation. Interventions at institutional and individual levels could be useful for addressing social group disparities and the participation gap.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Author Biographies

Hermann Kurthen, Grand Valley State University

Hermann Kurthen (June 10th, 1952 - October 11th, 2023) was a Professor of Sociology at Grand Valley State University in Michigan. He previously taught at Stony Brook University in New York, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and Freie Universität Berlin in Germany. His research interests spanned transatlantic relations, comparative migration and minority relations, ethnocentrism, classroom interaction, transnational, hybrid online teaching, academic exchange, and study abroad. He is survived by his wife, Professor Kay Losey, and daughter, Angelika.

Anna Hammersmith, Grand Valley State University

Anna Hammersmith is an Associate Professor of Sociology at Grand Valley State University. She earned her PhD in Sociology at Bowling Green State University in 2018. Her primary research interests focus on intergenerational relationships, late-life relationship formation and dissolution, family caregiving, health and well-being, and quantitative methodologies although she also has expanded her scholarship to examine high impact educational practices, like study abroad.

References

Athavaley, A. (2008, January 22). More students head overseas in freshman year. The Wall Street Journal. www.wsj.com/articles/SB120095736768604873

BaileyShea, C. (2009). Factors that affect American college students’ participation in study abroad. (Publication No. 3395372) [Doctoral Dissertation, University of Rochester]. Proquest Dissertations Publishing.

Ballatore M, & Ferede, M. K. (2013). The Erasmus Programme in France, Italy, and the United Kingdom: Student mobility as a signal of distinction and privilege. European Educational Research Journal, 12(4), 525-533. https://doi.org/10.2304/eerj.2013.12.4.525 DOI: https://doi.org/10.2304/eerj.2013.12.4.525

Barclay Hamir, H., & Gozik, N. N. (2018). Recommendations for research, policy, and practice. In H. H. Barclay & N. N. Gozik (Eds). Promoting inclusion in education abroad: A Handbook of research and practice (pp. 197-212). Stylus & NAFSA.

Bauer, K. W., & Liang, Q. (2003). The Effect of Personality and Precollege Characteristics on First-Year Activities and Academic Performance. Journal of College Student Development, 44(3), 277–290. https://doi.org/10.1353/csd.2003.0023. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1353/csd.2003.0023

Booker, R. (2001). Differences between applicants and non-applicants relevant to the decision to apply to study abroad. [Unpublished doctoral dissertation]. University of Missouri.

Boudarbat, B., & Montmarquette, C. (2009). Choice of fields of study of university Canadian graduates: The role of gender and their parents’ education. Education Economics, 17(2), 185–213. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.econedurev.2006.06.001 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/09645290802133032

Bourdieu, P. (1984). Distinction: A social critique of the judgment of taste. Harvard University Press.

Brux, J. M., & Fry, B. (2010). Multicultural students in study abroad: Their interests, their issues, and their constraints. Journal of Studies in International Education, 14(5), 508-527. https://doi.org/10.1177/1028315309342486 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/1028315309342486

Carlson, J. S., Burn, B. B., Useem, J., & Yachimowicz, D. (1990). Study abroad: The experience of American undergraduates. Greenwood Press, Inc.

Carter, H. (1991). Minority access to international education. In Black Students and Overseas Programs: Broadening the Base of Participation, (pp. 9-20). Papers and speeches presented at the 43rd CIEE International Conference on Education Exchange. Council on International Education Exchange.

Chao, R., & Good, G. E. (2004). Nontraditional students’ perspectives on college education: A qualitative study, Journal of College Counseling 7(1), 5–12. https://doi.org/10.1002/j.2161-1882.2004.tb00253.x DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/j.2161-1882.2004.tb00253.x

Chieffo, L. P. (2000). Determinants of student participation in study abroad programs at the University of Delaware: A quantitative study. [Unpublished doctoral dissertation]. University of Delaware.

Compton, J. I., Cox, E., & Laanan, F. S. (2006). Adult learners in transition. New Directions for Student Services, 114, 73–80. https://doi.org/10.1002/ss.208 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/ss.208

Daly, A. (2011). Determinants of participating in Australian university student exchange programmes. Journal of Research in International Education, 10(1), 58–70. https://doi.org/10.1177/1028315304271479 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/1475240910394979

Dessoff, A. (2006). Who’s not going abroad? International Educator, 15(2), 20–27. https://www.nafsa.org/ie-magazine/issue/15/02/february-2006 DOI: https://doi.org/10.12968/ftse.2006.5.3.20772

DiPietro, G. (2020). Changes in socioeconomic inequality in access to study abroad programs: A cross-country analysis. Research in Social Stratification & Mobility, 66. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rssm.2019.100465 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rssm.2019.100465

Engel, L. C. (2017). Underrepresented students in US study abroad: Investigating impacts. IIE Center for Academic Mobility Research and Impact. Institute for International Education IIE. Research and Policy Brief Series, 1, 1-17.

Fischer, K. (2012). In study abroad, men are hard to find. Chronicle of Higher Education 58(25), A1–A14.

Gaines, N. D. (2012). Exploring the perceptions of study abroad among Black undergraduates at historically Black colleges and universities. [Unpublished doctoral dissertation]. Bowling Green State University, Ohio.

Gonzalez, L., Flores, B., & Simmons, S. (2018). Strategies for mobilizing students in the sciences: A case study. In H. H. Barclay & N. N. Gozik (Eds). Promoting inclusion in education abroad: A Handbook of research and practice (pp. 133-148). Stylus & NAFSA. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003446545-10

Gore, J. E. (2005). Dominant Beliefs and Alternative Voices: Discourse, Belief, and Gender in American Study Abroad. Routledge.

Gozick, N. J., & Oguro, S. (2021). Program components: (Re)considering the role of individual areas of programming in education abroad. In A. C. Ogden, B. Streitweiser, C. Van Mol, (Eds). Education abroad: Bridging scholarship and practice (pp. 59-72). Routledge. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4324/9780429431463-4

Heisel, M., & Stableski, R. (2009). Expanding study abroad: Where there's a will, there's a way. In P. B. R. Gutierrez (Ed.), Expanding study abroad capacity at US colleges and universities. Institute of International Education.

Hembroff, L. A., & Rusz, D. L. (1993). Minorities and overseas studies programs: Correlates of differential participation. Occasional Papers on International Educational Exchange, 30. Council on International Educational Exchange.

Institute of International Education IIE. (2021). Open Doors Fast Facts. Retrieved 2007 through 2021 from https://www.iie.org/opendoors

Institute of International Education. (2020). "Undergraduate Participation in Study Abroad: Leading Master's Colleges & Universities, 2002/03 - 2018/19." Open Doors Report on International Educational Exchange. Retrieved from https://opendoorsdata.org/.

Jackson, M. J. (2005). Study abroad for students of color. IIE Networker: The International Education Magazine. http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/naylor/IIEB0205/index.php?startid=16#/16

Jackson, M. J. (2018). Interculturality in International Education. Routledge. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4324/9780429490026

Kasravi, J. (2009). Factors influencing the decision to study abroad for students of color: Moving beyond the barriers. (Publication No. 3371866) [Doctoral Dissertation, University of Minnesota Twin Cities]. Proquest Dissertations Publishing.

Kasravi, J. (2018). Students of color and study abroad: From barriers to results. In H. H. Barclay & N. N. Gozik (Eds). Promoting inclusion in education abroad: A handbook of research and practice (pp. 45-60). Stylus & NAFSA. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003446545-5

Kim, R. I., & Goldstein, S. B. (2005). Intercultural attitudes predict favorable study abroad expectations of U.S. college students. Journal of Studies in International Education, 9, 265–278. https://doi.org/10.1177/1028315305277684 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/1028315305277684

Leask, B., & Green, W. (2021). Curriculum integration: Maximizing the impact of study abroad for all students. In A. C. Ogden, B. Streitweiser, C. Van Mol, (Eds). Education abroad: Bridging scholarship and practice (pp. 169-183). Routledge. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4324/9780429431463-11

Lesjak, M., Juvan, E., Ineson, E. M., Yap, M. H. T., & Podovšovnik A. E. (2015). Erasmus student motivation: Why and where to go? Higher Education, 70, 845–865. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10734-015-9871-0. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10734-015-9871-0

Li, M., Olson, J. E., & Frieze, I. H. (2013). Students’ study abroad plans: The influence of motivational and personality factors. Frontiers: The Interdisciplinary Journal of Study Abroad, 23(1), 73–89. https://doi.org/10.36366/frontiers.v23i1.330. DOI: https://doi.org/10.36366/frontiers.v23i1.330

Lincoln Commission. (2005). Global competence and national needs: One million Americans studying abroad. Final Report from the Commission on the Abraham Lincoln Fellowship Program. https://www.aifs.com/pdf/lincoln_final_report.pdf.

Lopez-McGee, L. Comp, D. & Contreras, E. (2018). Underrepresentation in education abroad: A review of contemporary research and future opportunities. In H. H. Barclay & N. N. Gozik (Eds). Promoting inclusion in education abroad: A handbook of research and practice (pp. 17-44). Sterling, VA: Stylus & NAFSA. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003446545-3

Lörz, M., Netz, N., & Quast, H. (2016). Why do students from underprivileged families less often intend to study abroad? Higher Education, 72, 153–174. https://doi.org/10.1007/ s10734-015-9943-1. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10734-015-9943-1

Luo, J., & Jamieson-Drake, D. (2015). Predictors of study abroad intent, participation, and college outcomes. Research in Higher Education, 56(1), 29-56. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11162-014-9338-7. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11162-014-9338-7

Lucas, J. M. (2018). A study abroad journey with men. In H. H. Barclay & N. N. Gozik (Eds). Promoting inclusion in education abroad: A Handbook of research and practice (pp. 82-98). Sterling, VA: Stylus & NAFSA.

Marcum, J. A. (2001). Eliminate the roadblocks. Chronicle of Higher Education, 47(36), B7–B9.

McHan, M. J. (2019). Underrepresented Students and Study Abroad Programs: Examining Study Abroad Intentions and Study Abroad Participation (22620868) [Doctoral dissertation, San Diego State University]. ProQuest.

Miller, L. R. (2004). Undergraduate participation in study abroad, internship, and research programs: Cultural capital variables. (Publication No. 3155025) [Doctoral Dissertation, University of California, Los Angeles]. Proquest Dissertations Publishing.

Miller, M. A., (2008). The privileges of the parents. Change, 40(1), 6–7. https://doi.org/10.3200/CHNG.40.1.6-7. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3200/CHNG.40.1.6-7

Munk, M. D. (2009). Transnational investments in informational capital: A comparative study of Denmark, France, and Sweden. Acta Sociological, 52(1), 5-23. https://doi.org/10.1177/0001699308100631. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/0001699308100631

Naffziger, D. W., Bott J. P., & Mueller, C. B. (2010). Study abroad: Validating the factor analysis of student choices. International Business: Research, Teaching and Practice, 4(1), 72-81. https://us-se.aib.world/publications/journal-ibrtp/.

NAFSA. (2018). "Trends in U.S. Study Abroad." Washington, DC: NAFSA Association of International Educators. http://www.nafsa.org/Policy_and_Advocacy/Policy_Resources /Policy_Trends_and_Data/Trends_in_U_S__Study_Abroad/.

NAFSA. (2018). Advocating for education abroad: Benefits to students. Washington, DC: NAFSA Association of International Educators. https://www.nafsa.org/findresources /Default.aspx?id=8361.

National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE). (2022). NSSE 2022 Overview. https://nsse.indiana.edu/nsse/reports-data/nsse-overview.html#:~:text=NSSE%27s%20sampling%20methodology%20calls%20for,based%20on%20total%20undergraduate%20enrollment

Netz, N., Klasik, D., Entrich, S. R., & Barker, M. (2021). Socio-demographic: A global overview inequalities in education abroad. In A. C. Ogden, B. Streitweiser, C. Van Mol, (Eds). Education abroad: Bridging scholarship and practice (pp. 28-42). New York City, NY. Routledge. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4324/9780429431463-2

Newbold, J. J., Mehta, S. S., & Forbus, P. (2010). A comparative study between non-traditional and traditional students in terms of their demographics, attitudes, behaviour and educational performance. International Journal of Education Research, 5(1), 1–24. https://doi.org/10.19030/cier.v3i4.197. DOI: https://doi.org/10.19030/cier.v3i4.197

Otero, M. S. (2008). The socio-economic background of Erasmus students: A trend towards wider inclusion? International Review of Education, 54(2), 135-154. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11159-007-9081-9 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11159-007-9081-9

Pérez-Juez, A. & Eisenberg, S.R. (2018). Opportunities for sophomores in international education. In H. H. Barclay & N. N. Gozik (Eds). Promoting inclusion in education abroad: A handbook of research and practice (pp. 149-163). Sterling, VA: Stylus & NAFSA.

Peterson, D. L. (2003). The decision to study abroad: Contributing factors and implications for communication strategies. [Unpublished doctoral dissertation]. Michigan State University.

Petzold, K., & Moog, P. (2018). What shapes the intention to study abroad? An experimental approach. Higher Education, 75, 35-54. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10734-017-0119-z DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10734-017-0119-z

Pope, J. A., Sánchez, C. M., Lehnert, K., & Schmid, A. S. (2014). Why do Gen Y students study abroad? Individual growth and the intent to study abroad. Journal of Teaching in International Business, 25(2), 97-118. https://doi.org/10.1080/08975930.2014.896232 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/08975930.2014.896232

Ranganathan, P., Aggarwal, R., & Prawesh, C.S. (2015). Common pitfalls in statistical analysis: Odds versus risk. Perspectives in Clinical Research, 6, 222-224. https://doi.org/10.4103%2F2229-3485.167092 DOI: https://doi.org/10.4103/2229-3485.167092

Salisbury, M. H., Paulsen, M. P., & Pascarella, E. T. (2010). To see the world or stay at home: Applying an integrated student choice model to explore the gender gap in the intent to study abroad. Research in Higher Education, 51(7), 615–640. https://doi.10.1007/s11162-010-9171-6. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11162-010-9171-6

Salisbury, M. H., Paulsen, M. P., & Pascarella, E. T. (2011). Why do all the study abroad students look alike? Applying an integrated student choice model to explore differences in the factors that influence white and minority students’ intent to study abroad. Research in Higher Education, 52(2), 123–150. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11162-010-9191-2 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11162-010-9191-2

Salisbury, M. H., Umbach, P. D., Paulsen, M. B., & Pascarella, E. T. (2009). Going global: Understanding the choice process of the intent to study abroad. Research in Higher Education, 50(2), 119-143. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11162-008-9111-x DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11162-008-9111-x

Sánchez, C. M., Fornerino, M., & Zhang, M. (2006). Motivations and the intent to study abroad among U.S., French, and Chinese students. Journal of Teaching in International Business, 18(1), 27–52. https://doi.org/10.1300/J066v18n01_03 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1300/J066v18n01_03

Schroth, M. L., & McCormack, W. A. (2000). Sensation seeking and need for achievement among study abroad students. Journal of Social Psychology, 140(4), 533–535. https://doi.org/10.1080/00224540009600492 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/00224540009600492

Shirley, S. W. (2006). The gender gap in post-secondary study abroad: Understanding and marketing to male students. [Unpublished doctoral dissertation]. University of North Dakota.

Simon, J., & Ainsworth, J. W. (2012). Race and socioeconomic status differences in study abroad Participation: The role of habitus, social networks, and cultural capital. International Scholarly Research Notices (pp. 1-21). http://dx.doi.org/10.5402/2012/413896 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5402/2012/413896

Stallman, E., Woodruff, G., Kasravi, J., & Comp, D. (2010). The diversification of the student profile. In W.W. Hoffa & S.C. DePaul (Eds.), A history of U.S. study abroad: 1965-present (pp. 115-160). Forum on Education Abroad.

Stroud, A. H. (2010). Who plans (not) to study abroad? An examination of U.S. student intent. Journal of Studies in International Education, 14(5), 491-507. https://doi.org/10.1177/1028315309357942 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/1028315309357942

Stroud, A. H. (2015). Should I stay or should I go? Factors impacting the decision to study abroad among students who have expressed intent. [Unpublished Doctoral Dissertation]. University of Massachusetts Amherst.

Tolan, M. & McCullers, M. (2018). First-generation college students and study abroad: Examining the participation gap and successful strategies for promoting access. In H. H. Barclay & N. N. Gozik (Eds). Promoting inclusion in education abroad: A handbook of research and practice (pp. 61-81). Stylus & NAFSA. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003446545-6

Twombly, S., Salisbury, M, Tumanut, S., & Klute, P. (2012). Study abroad in a new global century: Renewing the promise, refining the purpose. ASHE Higher Education Report, 38(4), 1-152. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/aehe.20004

Van Der Meid, J. S. (2003). Asian Americans: Factors Influencing the Decision to Study Abroad. Frontiers: The Interdisciplinary Journal of Study Abroad, 9(1), 71–110. https://doi.org/10.36366/frontiers.v9i1.116 DOI: https://doi.org/10.36366/frontiers.v9i1.116

Van Mol, C., Ogden A.C., & Streitweiser, B. (2021). Conclusion: Future directions and scholarship. In A. C. Ogden, B. Streitweiser, C. Van Mol, (Eds). Education abroad: Bridging scholarship and practice (pp. 233-236). Routledge. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4324/9780429431463-102

Whatley, M. (2019). Study abroad participation: An unintended consequence of state merit-aid programs? Research in Higher Education, 60, 905–930. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11162-018-09540-w.# DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11162-018-09540-w

Downloads

Published

2024-04-16

How to Cite

Kurthen, H., & Hammersmith, A. (2024). Is Study Abroad Still a Privilege? Exploring the Inequality Gap between Intentions and Study Abroad at a Public Midwestern University in the U.S. Frontiers: The Interdisciplinary Journal of Study Abroad, 36(1), 1–31. https://doi.org/10.36366/frontiers.v36i1.803

Issue

Section

Research Articles