Financing Study Abroad: An Exploration of Financial Factors and Undergraduate Study Abroad Patterns

• In Event: 58.084 - Poster Session 13
  In Poster Session: 58.084-9 - Policy Posters

Abstract

This study employs data from 31,467 students in the University System of Georgia to explore the role of several financial factors, including student loan debt, grant funding, expected family contribution, and financial need, on student access to study abroad opportunities while in college. Results indicate that, generally, students with increased loan debt are less likely to participate in a study abroad experience while those receiving more grant funding to pay for their educations are more likely to study abroad. These results have important implications not only for students and study abroad professionals, but also for institutions and policy-makers.

Author

• Melissa Whatley, University of Georgia - Athens