Upwardly Mobile and Global: Predicting Study Abroad Participation Among Scholarship Recipients From Adverse Backgrounds

• In Event: 45.094 - Sheraton Roundtable Session Seven - Grand Centre
  In Roundtable Session: 45.094-2 - Student Success in Study Abroad and Global Higher Education

Abstract

The study examines ascribed, financial, and college factors to predict study abroad participation among high-achieving scholarship students from adverse backgrounds. Based on a sample of sophomore-, junior-, and senior-year participants of a national scholarship program, results show that despite increased participation among this group compared to national averages, finances remain a predominant concern. These students -- individuals from diverse, low-resourced backgrounds -- provide a counterpoint to the narrative that study abroad participation is the province of the privileged. Given the importance of study abroad to 21st century learning outcomes, this study points to the importance of attracting to study abroad those for whom the college experience marks a significant break from the adverse conditions of their youth.

Authors

• Radomir Mitic, Council of Graduate Schools

• Gregory C. Wolniak, University of Georgia

• Laura A. Davis, New York University