PEDAGOGIC ACTIVITY

Moving forward Course 11

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Why Global Experience Should Be a College Requirement

The benefits of partaking in a global experience, whether in the form of studying abroad, interning
overseas, or taking a gap year to travel, are undeniable. Learn the current state of the study abroad
industry, and what organizations are doing to increase participation rates and the diversity of students
going abroad during college.

Incorporating an international component into American higher

education is critically important for creating a workforce with the
capabilities and mindset to tackle the world’s toughest challenges
of global interdependence: disease, violent extremism, climate
change, economic inequality, and unjust labor practices. On a
broader level, individuals with international exposure can better
build relationships between people and communities, solve
problems, and think creatively. We simply need more of these kinds
of people in our world.

Going overseas during university, whether for work, study, or teaching, offers participants tangible and
statistically proven results. A recent survey conducted by IES Abroad reports that 76% of students who
went abroad during university said they acquired skills that influenced their career path, and 97%
reported that studying abroad increased their maturity. Additionally, 98% of study abroad alums
reported that studying abroad helped them better understand their cultural values and biases, and 90%
said they were influenced to seek out a greater diversity of friends. According to this survey, 52% of study
abroad alumni attained graduate degrees.

“We believe that more and more employers are realizing the extraordinary benefits of study abroad and
are seeking out graduates who have had study abroad experiences. Key job skills such as adaptability,
global understanding and tolerance, leadership, and independence are directly fostered by learning and
living abroad,” said Dr. Mary M. Dwyer, President and CEO of IES Abroad.

These benefits are apparent to an even greater degree for college students choosing to participate in
internships overseas. “When we talk to candidates, what’s important for us in global investments is
people who have an understanding of different cultures, the different ways they communicate and do
business,” said Ruth Ferguson, a senior vice president and human resources executive at Bank of America
Merrill Lynch.

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PEDAGOGIC ACTIVITY
Moving forward Course 11

Expanding Access to Studying & Interning Abroad

Several organizations are currently tackling these issues and expanding the number and demographic
breakdown of students going abroad. In 2014, The Institute of International Education (IIE) launched a national
campaign called Generation Study Abroad (GSA), with the stated goal of "increasing and diversifying the
number of U.S. students studying abroad" by 2020. At least 168 partners joined GSA during this initiative and
established over 600 scholarship programs to promote study abroad. Although this five-year initiative has
ended, IEE remains committed to these goals and is still working to advance study abroad.

If we are to effectively prepare today's

students to become tomorrow's global
leaders, innovators, and agents of change,
they must have opportunities to gain direct
experience and apply their academic
learning in an international setting.

Other leading study and intern abroad companies have designed programs and fellowships specifically to increase
access to international programs. Cultural Vistas, a nonprofit exchange organization serving thousands of students,
professionals, and emerging leaders in over 130 countries through career-focused international internships,
educational study tours, language immersion, and cultural exchange programs in the United States and around the
world, is one such organization.

The Cultural Vistas Fellowship funds professional development programs, including eight-week internships
abroad, for underrepresented U.S. university students. This year, they are selecting up to 15 fellows to participate
in their "first ever Cultural Vistas Virtual Fellowship – a dedicated professional development program that includes
eight-week summer remote internships in Argentina, Germany, or Southeast Asia."

"If we are to effectively prepare today's students to become tomorrow's global leaders, innovators, and agents of
change, they must have opportunities to gain direct experience and apply their academic learning in an
international setting," said Robert Fenstermacher, President and CEO of Cultural Vistas.

Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE) has also expanded short-term study abroad offerings to
increase access to international education opportunities for U.S. undergraduates. CIEE offers certain study abroad
programs that are shorter and more cost-effective to help ensure every student has the chance to study abroad.
Students can also apply for scholarships and grants to help reduce the cost even further.

With market leaders like IEE, CIEE, and Cultural Vistas recognizing and addressing the issues of access to
international experiences in a practical way, the number of students and especially students from a more diverse
array of backgrounds will be able to reap the benefits of learning about new parts of the world hands-on.

Source: Murchison, C. 2021. Why Global Experience Should Be a College Requirement. https://www.gooverseas.com/blog/why-global-experience-should-be-a-college-requirement

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