Diversifying Study Abroad and Expanding Equity for Minority Serving Institution Students

Abstract

Research suggests that study abroad increases retention and graduation rates (Hamir, 2011; Kuh, 2008; Metzger, 2006; Sutton & Rubin, 2010). Metzger (2006) found that the communities formed by students while abroad help retain students through the remainder of their college years. Unfortunately, many of the nation’s more than 650 Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) do not have the financial resources to offer extensive study abroad opportunities nor do their students have access to resources that may facilitate participation in study abroad. This report offers an important glimpse into the challenges that dissuade students from studying abroad, including barriers of cost, culture, and curriculum, all of which may be exacerbated at Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs).