MA IDS Thesis Projects
Title
Access to Study Abroad for Historically Underrepresented Students
Date of Award
1-1-2014
Document Type
Restricted Access Thesis
College
College of Theology, Arts, & Sciences
Department
International Development and Service
Degree Name
International Development and Service, MA
Abstract
Studying abroad is a beneficial opportunity that all American college students should have. White students disproportionately outnumber historically unrepresented students, particularly Black/African Americans and Latinos, in study abroad programs. The purpose of this research is to explain the large gap that exists between White students who study abroad and Black/African American and Latino students who generally do not and why colleges and universities are seeking to implement initiatives to better include and inspire students of color to participate. A reference guide was created for colleges and universities to use, which includes suggestions on how to increase the percentage of minority students who study abroad at their institution annually. It is important that students from all racial and economic backgrounds get the same opportunities to participate in study abroad because as the world becomes more globalized, there is the need for more people who have had an international experience and have a global perspective.