Diversity Abroad Seeks to Boost Minority Participation in International Study - Higher Education

Diversity Abroad Seeks to Boost Minority Participation in International Study - Higher Education: While it has not been a primary topic of conversation in higher education circles in recent years, the dearth of minorities included in programs to study abroad has not gone undocumented. Now, experts are trying to figure out how to improve the situation.

According to the Institute of International Education (IIE), of all U.S. students that participate in study abroad programs, 76.4% are White as of 2012, compared to Asian American/Native American and Pacific Islander at 7.7%, Hispanic/Latino at 7.6% and African-American participants at 5.3%. IIE Director of Public Affairs Sharon Witherell stated that “the study abroad population is still 76% White students, slightly better over the years, but just not enough diversity.”