In the academic year 2021-2022, the University ranked 21st nationwide among doctoral-granting institutions for student participation in studying abroad, a significant achievement that reflects the institution’s commitment to global education. However, despite this accolade, there are lingering issues of accessibility that need to be addressed. Notably, there is a disparity in the demographic composition of students engaging in international study programs. Data from 2022-23 reveals that 64 percent of University undergraduate students studying abroad were white, although white students only account for 52 percent of the total undergraduate population. While the rankings showcase the effectiveness and prestige of the University’s overarching systems, the demographic imbalance underscores existing imperfections that must be rectified to enhance inclusivity.
Historically, study abroad initiatives have struggled to attract students from diverse backgrounds. As recently as the 2016-2017 academic year, national statistics indicated that 71 percent of American students studying abroad were white, despite white students comprising only 57 percent of the college population. Although the University has demonstrated slightly better representation, it has not been immune to these broader trends. The prevailing consensus attributes this disparity primarily to financial barriers.
Addressing the issue of cost is paramount in fostering equity in study abroad opportunities. While international travel, especially for students, inherently carries significant expenses, there are avenues for universities to mitigate financial burdens. By scrutinizing smaller operational aspects, such as application and decision deadlines for summer study abroad programs, the International Studies Office (ISO) can identify opportunities to reduce costs and enhance accessibility without compromising program quality.
For instance, in the upcoming summer term, ISO is set to offer 24 University-run programs across 15 countries. Despite the majority of programs commencing between mid-May and early June, a substantial portion of applications (70 percent) and decisions will not be finalized until March or later. While these timelines may seem reasonable in isolation, they pose challenges for students juggling multiple commitments and deadlines. Delayed certainty regarding summer plans can particularly disadvantage students who need to secure internships or jobs, as well as inflate travel expenses significantly.
Experts recommend booking international flights four to 10 months in advance to secure the best prices. However, with application deadlines extending into March, students face inflated ticket costs that can escalate dramatically. This exemplifies how seemingly minor delays in the application process can have substantial financial implications, especially for students from less affluent backgrounds.
Considering that summer study abroad programs often exceed $8,000 in costs, even minor price discrepancies in flight bookings can significantly impact overall expenses. Therefore, adjusting application cycles to conclude in November or December would enable students to secure affordable travel arrangements in January and plan their summers with greater clarity.
The challenges posed by March deadlines for summer programs are just one facet of the broader accessibility issue that ISO must address. By examining and refining various operational structures, such as simplifying transfer credit processes and enhancing financial aid provisions, the University can foster a more inclusive and accessible study abroad environment. Vice Provost for Global Affairs, Steve Mull, emphasized the institution’s commitment to affordability in education abroad. This underscores the imperative for ISO to meticulously evaluate and optimize operational details to dismantle barriers to accessibility and ensure that all students have equal opportunities to engage in transformative global experiences.
Naima Sawaya, the executive editor for The Cavalier Daily, can be contacted at [email protected]. The views expressed in this column solely represent the author’s perspective and may not necessarily align with those of The Cavalier Daily.