A Commitment to Building a Global Generation THE FIVE-YEAR IMPACT OF IIE’S GENERATION STUDY ABROAD INITIATIVE
CONTENTS 3
Introduction
5 How did GSA move the needle for U.S. study abroad? 15
What did we learn about U.S. study abroad?
23
Where do we go from here?
26
GSA Commitment Partner Recognition
29
U.S. Government Partners Resources for Study Abroad
31 IIE Resources for Study Abroad
About this Report This report highlights key programmatic efforts and partner achievements framed by an analysis of data collected over the life of the initiative, offering a comprehensive review. Much of the analysis is based on data collected each year from Commitment Partners through the Generation Study Abroad Annual Progress Survey. This annual survey allowed the Institute of International Education (IIE) to track progress toward goals, evaluate best practices, and support the implementation of effective activities and resources for the network. The survey was first conducted in 2015, collecting data on the 2013/14 academic year, and concluded with the 2020 survey that represented data from the 2018/19 academic year. We also incorporated and analyzed other data throughout the initiative and for this report, including annual data from Open Doors® U.S. Study Abroad Surveys, 2013-2020. Authors: Lindsay Calvert and Jodi Sanger Editors: Mirka Martel, Clare Overmann, Ashley Stipek Contributors: Laura Toledo, Atif Toor Design: Christina Ullman, Ullman Design
April 2021 2 / IIE GENERATION STUDY ABROAD IMPACT REPORT
Introduction The Institute of International Education (IIE) launched the Generation Study Abroad (GSA) initiative in 2014 to mobilize resources and commitments with the goal of doubling and diversifying the number of U.S. students studying abroad by the end of the decade. Knowing that this would take a concerted effort across sectors, IIE created a space for partners to join the initiative by committing to bold, ambitious actions in support of study abroad on their campuses or at their organizations. The campaign became a global movement, forming the 800+ strong GSA Commitment Partner network representing a variety of U.S.-based and international partners, including national governments, higher education institutions (HEIs), study abroad organizations, education associations, and more. There is no denying the fact that the COVID-19 pandemic has greatly affected study abroad and international education all around. Similar to the start of the GSA initiative, there is a need to come together as a community to rebuild, reinvent, and double down on our shared belief that international education remains as important as ever. IIE is grateful to the partners that contributed to the achievements of GSA on their campuses and programs, and in their respective countries and communities around the world. Using all that we have learned from the GSA initiative, IIE supports reigniting our collective effort to advance diversity, inclusion, access and equity in study abroad.
“When we began this GSA journey, our participation numbers were less than half of what they are now. Having the GSA goal as our proverbial brass ring has provided us with the tools and motivation to take our programs to unprecedented heights within our institution.” U.S. INSTITUTION GSA COMMITMENT PARTNER
GSA COMMITMENT PARTNER NETWORK
444 U.S. HEIs 194 associations or organizations in 35 countries 151 international HEIs in 37 countries 22 governmental organizations representing their respective countries
Number of GSA Commitment Partners Per Country
500+ 20 to 49 10 to 19 5 to 9 1 to 4 IIE GENERATION STUDY ABROAD IMPACT REPORT / 3
Generation Study Abroad Impact At-A-Glance Accelerated U.S. Student Participation in Study Abroad
3X GROWTH IN STUDY A B RO A D
Increased Access and Diversification C O MMIT MENT PA R T NERS AWA R DE D
39,000+ SCHOLARSHIPS
experienced by GSA U.S. partner institutions
600+
AND CREATED
new scholarship programs
AS A RESULT OF PARTICIPATION IN GSA
Amplified the Value of Study Abroad NEARLY
4 MILLION
people reached through #GoStudyAbroad campaign
Nearly
50,000 VIEWS OF GSA VIDEOS
10
IIE publications and additional digital resources
4 / IIE GENERATION STUDY ABROAD IMPACT REPORT
75%
OF GSA COMMITMENT PARTNERS
focusing on diversity reported increases in study abroad participation among these top populations of focus: students with financial need, first-generation students, Black/ African American and Latino/Hispanic students, and STEM majors
Convened Partners and Students, Sharing Knowledge
17
EVENTS WITH
3,000
PARTICIPANTS FROM AROUND THE WORLD
How did GSA move the needle for study abroad? Accelerated the Growth of U.S. Student Participation in Study Abroad As part of their pledge to the Generation Study Abroad campaign, Commitment Partners made strategic commitments aimed at increasing the number of U.S. students who study abroad.
From 2011/12 to 2018/19 GSA U.S. partner institutions experienced
3X GROWTH IN ST U DY A BR OA D compared to other U.S. institutions
COMMITMENT PARTNER
With the IIE Seal of Excellence, IIE has recognized more than
100
U.S. institutions for meeting their goals and helping our mission to make study abroad more accessible and inclusive for all students
See page 26 of this report for a full list of recipients.
A third of U.S. Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) reporting on the Open Doors U.S. Study Abroad Survey became GSA Commitment Partners over the life of the initiative. Students from these partner institutions accounted for 55% of study abroad participants by academic year 2019.
U.S. STUDY ABROAD GROWTH, 2011/12–2018/19 GSA U.S. Institutions 31.9% Non-GSA U.S. Institutions 12.8% Sources: Open Doors 2013, Open Doors 2020
IIE GENERATION STUDY ABROAD IMPACT REPORT / 5
HOW DID GSA MOVE THE NEEDLE FOR U.S. STUDY ABROAD?
U.S. INSTITUTION HIGHLIGHTS: DOMESTIC SUCCESSES 2011/12
2018/19
CHATHAM UNIVERSITY, PENNSYLVANIA
46 110
1,000-1,499 Students
Goal: Double the number of students studying abroad
Private Institution
Awarded IIE Seal of Excellence in 2018
Historical Women’s College
NORTHEAST WISCONSIN TECHNICAL COLLEGE
11 78 Goal: Increase study abroad participation by 500% Awarded IIE Seal of Excellence in 2019
10,000-19,999 Students Public Institution Community College
COUNTRY PARTNER HIGHLIGHTS: GLOBAL SUCCESSES Twenty-two country government agencies and 151 HEIs in 37 countries committed to creating more access for U.S. students to study abroad by providing funding, facilitating partnerships among higher education institutions, and reinforcing the value of international exchange experiences for students, faculty, and their local and global communities.
Increases in U.S. Study Abroad Students, 2011/12–2018/19 G L O B A L AV E R A G E I N C R E A S E
23%
MORGAN STATE UNIVERSITY, MARYLAND
28 158 Goal: More than double the number of students who study abroad by the end of the decade
5,000-9,999 Students Public Institution HBCU*
Awarded IIE Seal of Excellence in 2017
GSA COUNTRY PARTNER INCREASES GREECE
116%
SOUTH DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY
186 501 Goal: Double the number of students studying abroad by 2020
103%
2,701 TO 5,834
400 TO 811
THAILAND
FINLAND
10,000-19,999 Students Public Institution Remote Town
Awarded IIE Seal of Excellence in 2017
NORWAY
UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON, TEXAS
476
99%
91%
1,437 TO 2,859
256 TO 490
IRELAND
NEW ZEALAND
907 Goal: Send a total of 884 students abroad by 2020 Awarded IIE Seal of Excellence in 2019
20,000+ Students Public Institution AANAPISI/HSI*
*AANAPISI: Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution HSI: Hispanic Serving Institution HBCU: Historically Black College or University 6 / IIE GENERATION STUDY ABROAD IMPACT REPORT
54%
43%
7,640 TO 11,777 2,969 TO 4,233 Sources: Open Doors 2013, Open Doors 2020
HOW DID GSA MOVE THE NEEDLE FOR U.S. STUDY ABROAD?
Created Access through New Scholarships Funding is a key obstacle to studying abroad. Partners have engaged a variety of internal and external stakeholders, including university departments, colleagues, foundations, alumni, private donors, as well as sought opportunities among the GSA Commitment Partner network to establish scholarship programs. Partners focused on promoting and supporting access to study abroad opportunities, often geared towards U.S. students traditionally underrepresented in study abroad.
The Jefferson County Alumni Chapter of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff initiated a scholarship program to support study abroad.
Central Piedmont Community College worked closely with the CPCC Foundation to find additional scholarships for study abroad (local organizations, private donors, scholarship matches from outside organizations).
University of South Florida created the university wide Genshaft/Greenbaum Passport Scholarship Endowed Fund from a $1 million endowment from USF’s President.
Collaborating with Study Abroad Partners
Drake University developed a new scholarship for leadership concentration students to participate in a service-learning program through International Studies Abroad (ISA).
The Fund for Education Abroad established the Access Partner Program that engaged many GSA partner institutions and organizations around the world to provide scholarships and ongoing support to highneed students.
Webster University’s Webster International Network of Schools (WINS) created the WINS Flies Five Scholarship for universities that joined GSA and the WINS Program by offering a roundtrip ticket to five students.
Generating Global Efforts
Education New Zealand developed the Generation Study Abroad Travel Awards and supported NZ HEIs to create access for more diverse student participation.
The French Embassy in the U.S. provided grant funding through the Transatlantic Friendship and Mobility Initiative, supporting traditionally underrepresented U.S. students and partnerships between U.S. and French HEIs.
The Government of Ireland partnered with IIE to provide matching incentive grants for U.S. campuses, doubling the amount of scholarships for their students to study in Ireland.
Engaging Donors and Channeling Endowments
Since joining GSA, at least
168 600
C O MMITMENT PA R TNERS have established more than
new scholarship programs to promote study abroad
Awarded
39,000+ SCHOLARSHIPS
IIE GENERATION STUDY ABROAD IMPACT REPORT / 7
Through our partnerships and generous donors,
IIE AWARDED $1 MILLION in scholarships and grants to students and teachers. • Generation Study Abroad Scholarships • IIE Passport Awards for Study Abroad • French Embassy – Generation Study Abroad Scholarships • GSA Travel Grants • IIE AIFS Foundation Generation Study Abroad Enrichment Grants
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HOW DID GSA MOVE THE NEEDLE FOR U.S. STUDY ABROAD?
Reached New Student Populations, Increasing Diversity GSA Commitment Partners strongly focused on reaching new student populations to increase U.S. study abroad diversity. Top populations of focus included students with financial need, first-generation students, minority students identifying as Black or Latino, and STEM majors. All five of these are historically underrepresented populations in study abroad, and 75% of partners focusing on diversity reported increased study abroad participation among these populations. GSA PARTNER EFFORTS TO REACH NEW POPUL ATIONS TO STUDY ABROAD % reporting increase in this population
Top populations of focus
67%
of partners’ commitment goals included efforts to increase the diversity of U.S. study abroad participation
66% focused on students with financial need
81%
63% focused on first-generation students
74%
58% focused on Black/African American students
66%
48% focused on Latino/Hispanic students
77%
45% focused on STEM majors
79%
Other surveyed populations in order of focus include: Underrepresented major field of study (44%), First-year students (41%), LGBTQ students (29%), Transfer students (24%), Student athletes (22%), Male students (21%), Asian American students (20%), Non-traditional age or mature students (19%), Students with disabilities (19%), Community college students (17%), Native American students (16%), Heritage students (15%), Students with lower academic merits (11%), Graduate students (9%), and Undergraduate students (8%).
BY 2 02 0
75%
O F G SA CO M M I T M E N T PA R T N E R S
focusing on diversity reported increases in study abroad participation among the top five populations of focus
In 2014, IIE awarded the inaugural GSA Award to the Shawn Carter Foundation for their partnership with IIE and the U.S. Department of State's Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program to launch the Shawn CarterGilman International Scholarships. These scholarships increased access to higher education for underserved students and provided opportunities for these students to study abroad as a critical part of expanding their horizons as they prepare for successful careers. IIE GENERATION STUDY ABROAD IMPACT REPORT / 9
HOW DID GSA MOVE THE NEEDLE FOR U.S. STUDY ABROAD?
REPRESENTATION MATTERS Sparking Conversations On and Off Campus
Sharing Diverse Voices Digitally
In partnership with State University of New York (SUNY) Oswego, the “I, Too, Am Study Abroad” guide presented a plan for HEIs to use t-shirts and panel discussions to educate and inform student groups about their various study abroad options. In 2016, SUNY Oswego received both an IIE Seal of Excellence and an IIE Heiskell Award Honorable Mention. Their campaign, “I, Too, Am Study Abroad” has had a positive impact in increasing study abroad participation rates that mirror campus demographic diversity. The returnee t-shirt is a centerpiece of the "I, Too, Am Study Abroad" campaign, aiming to help participants process their experiences overseas and facilitate conversations about the importance of an education abroad experience.
Over the span of the GSA initiative, IIE partnered with The New York Times Education (NYTE) branch to carry out the Digital Storytelling Contest recognizing Generation Study Abroad Voices. Study abroad alumni from around the world could submit their video stories illustrating and narrating how their lives were transformed through experiential learning and international education, as well as how The New York Times served as an educational resource. Selected winners of the contest received a prize from the NYTE and were sponsored to attend the IIE Summits, where the videos were premiered, and they could participate in and network at the conference.
EXPANDING GLOBAL HORIZONS Bringing Opportunities to Students
On February 25, 2015, IIE partnered with the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and CollegeWeekLive to host the first-ever virtual study abroad fair. This was a unique opportunity for hundreds of students from across the U.S. to learn about study, internship, or service-learning opportunities abroad by meeting with 60 organizations and HEIs from around the world. The event also provided guidance on financial aid and scholarships. $1,550 in prizes were available for eligible students, including a copy of the A Student Guide to Study Abroad book and travel vouchers.
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Bringing Study Abroad to Classrooms
In September 2015, IIE launched the GSA Teacher Campaign, recognizing the key role that K-12 teachers play in bringing the world into their classrooms and inspiring their students to learn with a global lens, acquire new languages, and participate in study abroad. Building a pipeline for study abroad is necessary to continue increasing participation and to make “international” part of every student’s educational experience. In addition, the AIFS Foundation sponsored the GSA Enrichment Grants Program, creating a professional development opportunity for U.S. secondary teachers who had taken the GSA pledge and acted innovatively in preparing their students for global citizenship and study abroad. Fifty enrichment grants of $1,000 each were given to teachers to conduct any learning activity in the U.S. or abroad that enhanced their international outlook and global experience. Through their experiences, they would be able to further internationalize their classroom and advance their role as global educators to positively affect student learning.
HOW DID GSA MOVE THE NEEDLE FOR U.S. STUDY ABROAD?
IIE’s Generation Study Abroad initiative received the honor of the inaugural PIEoneer Award for Championing Diversity in 2017. PIEoneer awards celebrate the most innovative work that is being done across the international education sector.
“IIE has done a pioneering job of promoting the benefits of outward mobility to disadvantaged and underrepresented students in the US. The Generation Study Abroad initiative attracted major support from the very beginning and has continued with broad messaging and participation across the US higher education sector. The campaign has had major impact in getting more students interested in overseas experiences.” — The PIE: Professionals in Education
Winner of the
PIEoneer 2017 Award FOR CHAMPIONING DIVERSITY
IIE GENERATION STUDY ABROAD IMPACT REPORT / 11
HOW DID GSA MOVE THE NEEDLE FOR U.S. STUDY ABROAD?
Amplified the Value of Study Abroad IIE and the GSA Commitment Partner network brought attention to the benefits of study abroad through various activities, including publications, social media, and events.
PUBLICATIONS IIE's publications highlight research, data, and experiences demonstrating and advocating for the value of study abroad for individuals, communities, and employers. The research report, Gaining an Employment Edge: The Impact of Study Abroad on 21st Century Skills and Career Prospects in the United States, has been cited more than 50 times since its release in October 2017. IIE also produced and widely distributed digital materials for stakeholders to use and disseminate, such as the • “10 GREAT Reasons to Study Abroad” poster
Reasons 10 GREAT to Study Abroad Expand your worldview
Learn another language and improve your multi-lingual skills
Make new friends from around the world
Learn more about yourself and gain self awareness
Boost your confidence & independence
Enhance your career opportunities and grow your network
Experience another culture first-hand
Discover new things about your own culture
Strengthen communication team-building & adaptability skills
Become a savvy traveler
• “5 Myths and Facts about Study Abroad” Connect:
• “Study Abroad Matters: 8 Ways to Link Higher Education to the Contemporary Workplace through International Experience”
12 / IIE GENERATION STUDY ABROAD IMPACT REPORT
#generationstudyabroad generationstudyabroad.org
A list of publications can be found on page 31, IIE Resources for Study Abroad.
HOW DID GSA MOVE THE NEEDLE FOR U.S. STUDY ABROAD?
SOCIAL MEDIA IIE and GSA Commitment Partners led various social media marketing and outreach initiatives to amplify the value of study abroad and reach a diverse range of students and education stakeholders. The GSA social media reach spanned across Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, amassing nearly 4,000 followers through GSA-led and collaborative social media campaigns. Through IIE's YouTube channel, GSA videos have been viewed nearly 50,000 times, including one of the GSA Voices video with over 10,000 views.
GSA SOCIAL MEDIA REACH Facebook & Instagram accounts launched
1,000 Twitter followers in first year
48,967 views of GSA videos on YouTube 3,981 social media followers
Nearly
50,000
VIEWS
of 37 informational and GSA Voices videos
2015
2019
I am #GenerationStudyAbroad becomes the initial campaign that brings GSA to the digital space through a shared identity with diverse voices
#GenerationStudyAbroad used 3,025 times on Twitter by the end of 2019
2015 GSA starts social media campaigns
2016
2017
2018
2019
2016 #GoStudyAbroad GSA partnership with CIEE, Go Overseas, IES Study Abroad, and STA Travel generates 3,400+ posts, reaching 3.8+ million people
Total Followers
1,000
2,000
3,000
4,000
IIE GENERATION STUDY ABROAD IMPACT REPORT / 13
HOW DID GSA MOVE THE NEEDLE FOR U.S. STUDY ABROAD?
Convened Partners, Shared Knowledge IIE held in-person and virtual events to convene GSA Commitment Partners, study abroad advocates, and stakeholders. During these events, participants shared learnings and best practices, innovated strategies, developed local and international partnerships, accessed resources, and optimized goal attainment.
GENERATION STUDY ABROAD THINK TANK
GSA SYMPOSIUM SERIES In 2018, IIE co-hosted a series of symposia in Miami with Miami Dade College; near San Francisco with Skyline College; in Saint Louis with Webster University; and in Helsinki with the Finnish National Agency for Education (EDUFI). During these events, nearly 200 GSA Commitment Partners and industry professionals convened in the region to engage in solution-driven and action-oriented dialogue. Participants also discussed the significant value and growing interest of the intersection of study abroad, global talent, and workforce development, as well as fostered international partnership building.
IIE’s first step in engaging a diverse group of professionals was to convene a GSA Think Tank in New York on March 12, 2014, bringing professionals from higher education, nongovernmental organizations, associations, nonprofits, foundations, government, and the private sector together to brainstorm ideas. From this daylong event, IIE published a “green paper” laying the foundation for an ongoing discussion around how to increase the number of students studying abroad in the short term and to shift the paradigm over the long term.
GSA WEBINARS IIE brought the conversations to a virtual space by hosting webinars engaging nearly 300 GSA Commitment Partners and study abroad advocates. • Demand for Data: Using Open Doors for Community College Internationalization • Open Doors 2018 and Study Abroad Trends • Expanding Access and Participation for U.S. Students Studying Abroad through Faculty-Led Programming • Inclusive by Design: Using Survey Design to Promote Inclusivity in International Exchange • A Review of Findings from the Graduate Learning Overseas (GLO) Research Project • Building Study Abroad: U.S. Department of State’s MOOC and IIE’s Data-Driven Strategies
IIE SUMMITS
14 / IIE GENERATION STUDY ABROAD IMPACT REPORT
From 2015–2019, IIE held 4 Summits convening more than 2,300 participants across diverse sectors — including GSA Commitment Partners, attendees, sponsors, exhibitors, speakers, and program and media partners from around the world — to highlight progress and create positive new solutions. Summits featured high-level plenary conversations, action-oriented sessions, think tanks, and networking opportunities, as well as an engaging expo hall, to mobilize commitments and inspire new actions.
What did we learn about study abroad? Need for Study Abroad Scholarships Scholarships are the largest area of expenditure among GSA Commitment Partners, representing about half of total expenditures since joining GSA, according to the 2018 and 2019 Annual Progress Surveys. In 2020, IIE asked partners to indicate their most important funding needs, and scholarships topped the list. Overall, 92% of partners identified scholarship funding as a need, with almost all U.S. institution partners (98%) identifying it as an area of need. These Commitment Partners also overwhelmingly said it was an area of high importance, much more so than the other areas of funding, such as marketing, pre-departure workshops, research and development, staff program costs, evaluations, pre-departure orientation/arrival, and reentry/post program.
OV ER A L L
92%
O F A LL PA R T N E R S identified scholarship funding as a need
FUNDING NEED FOR STUDY ABROAD SCHOLARSHIPS Low Importance Moderate Importance High Importance 3% 15%
82%
IIE GENERATION STUDY ABROAD IMPACT REPORT / 15
WHAT DID WE LEARN ABOUT STUDY ABROAD?
Engage Partners, Leverage Expertise, and Identify Common Needs Engaging partners to leverage expertise and identify common needs is vital to initiate, increase, and enhance study abroad opportunities. Almost all GSA Commitment Partners — whether institutions or associations/organizations — established new partnerships to collaborate and support U.S. study abroad since joining the initiative. In total, 82% of all Commitment Partners created new partnerships. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, a third of Commitment Partners reported engaging in new partnerships, or scaling up existing partnerships, to help adapt study abroad programming within the first months of the international crisis. Of these partners, 56% expect partnerships for virtual programming to not only continue but expand further after the pandemic. COMMITMENT PARTNERS THAT ESTABLISHED NEW PARTNERSHIPS TO SUPPORT STUDY ABROAD SINCE JOINING GSA 86%
84% 76%
OVERALL
U.S. Institutions
International Institutions
82%
Associations & Organizations In 2017, IIE recognized the Fulbright Commission in Colombia and ICETEX with the GSA Award for their efforts to expand study abroad opportunities for Americans to Colombia and their work facilitating bilateral exchanges.
O F A LL CO M M I T M E N T PA R T N E R S
created new partnerships to support study abroad since joining GSA
IN 2020,
one-third
O F CO M M I T M E N T PA R T N E R S
engaged in new partnerships or scaled up existing partnerships to help adapt study abroad programming within the first couple months of COVID-19 16 / IIE GENERATION STUDY ABROAD IMPACT REPORT
“...a strong program that has learned lessons to provide a better service to U.S. students abroad, has implemented best practices, has strengthened the host institutions capacity, the staff skills on diversity and the program quality; to fulfill the grantees and the local partner's expectations.” THE FULBRIGHT COMMISSION IN COLOMBIA
WHAT DID WE LEARN ABOUT STUDY ABROAD?
GSA Commitment Partners engaged in a variety of activities to promote study abroad, with the majority leveraging digital platforms, hosting or attending in-person events, and using alumni to build awareness. Some partners found success in the less common activities, such as helping students acquire passports and linking to the private sector. GSA COMMITMENT PARTNER ACTIVITIES TO PROMOTE STUDY ABROAD U.S. Institutions Promote through Web, Social Media
International Institutions Host or Attend In-Person Fairs or Sessions
98%
96%
95%
91% 84%
Associations & Organizations
Utilitze Alumni to Build Awareness
Help Students Acquire Passports
Host Virtual Activities
Engage with K-12 & Local Communities
Engage with the Private Sector
93% 84%
86% 70%
67%
53% 55% 38%
60%
43% 35%
30%
34% 28%
27% 19%
94% Overall
91% Overall
89% Overall
58% Overall
Reducing Travel Barriers Obtaining a U.S. passport is an essential step in a student’s journey to study abroad, yet it can be an initial barrier for some students. GSA Commitment Partners have made a profound impact by helping students acquire U.S. passports. As part of its commitment pledge, CIEE began the Passport Caravan program to sponsor passports for 10,000 students around the country, partnering with U.S. institutions to promote and hold an event on campus where they could arrange for Passport Agents to work with students and staff and cover the costs of obtaining a passport. Many of the participating institutions also matched funding to create more opportunities for their students. For example, the International Programs office at Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU), an HBCU in Texas, expanded its passport sponsorship efforts by working with the PVAMU Foundation to help several hundred students obtain passports during Passport Fairs held for Passport Awareness Month in September and International Education Week in November. Other institutions, such as Winona State University and California State University, Dominguez Hills, have found success in establishing Passport Application Centers that serve as a resource for both students and the greater community and bring in revenue to support their study abroad efforts.
54% Overall
33% Overall
26% Overall
Ties to the Private Sector Even though fewer partners reported engaging the private sector to promote and support study abroad, there is great opportunity to work with the private sector for areas of mutual benefit. Miami Dade College’s global education director realized there was a homeless student population with interest in study abroad. Partnerships with Educate Tomorrow, a Miamibased nonprofit group that operates on the college’s eight campuses offering a few hundred students the mentoring and support for academic and life skills, and with Delta Airlines to cover the students’ travel expenses enabled these students to pursue study abroad. Recognizing an innovative model of private-public partnership, IIE awarded the 2015 GSA Award to the Tampa Bay Trade and Protocol Council for its collaborative efforts with its sister city of South Dublin. From a Council's delegation trip, University of Tampa (UT) representatives were able to connect with Trinity College and the University College of Dublin to arrange programs for UT students interested in studying at either of these universities.
IIE GENERATION STUDY ABROAD IMPACT REPORT / 17
GSA Commitment Partners emphasize the influence faculty have in expanding or renewing study abroad programs, and motivating student participation. The IIE and AIFS Foundation 2019 Global Education Report, Faculty and Education Abroad: The Role of Faculty in Promoting Global Learning on U.S. Campuses
18 / IIE GENERATION STUDY ABROAD IMPACT REPORT
WHAT DID WE LEARN ABOUT STUDY ABROAD?
Intentionality is Key to Success As part of the GSA initiative, IIE’s Research, Evaluation & Learning team published research on study abroad and employability in 2017 and graduate-level learning overseas (GLO) in 2019. Through both studies, intentionality was found to be a key driver of success in understanding the full value of study abroad.
The 2017 employability study, Gaining an Employment Edge, analyzed survey and interview data from 4,500 people who had studied abroad between 1999–2017. One of the key findings centered on study abroad alumni’s intentions to develop career-related skills when choosing their program and the link to their reported skill gain and ability to articulate the value of the experience in their subsequent professional life. Recommendations that came out of the employability study were largely tied to intentionality, and GSA Commitment Partners took action. In 2020, most partners encouraged their students to push themselves out of their comfort zone and coached them to effectively communicate skills gained through study abroad. Additionally, many of these actions were rated as highly effective. The most highly rated action by U.S. institutions and association & organization partners alike was guiding students on program choice based on skills sought.
GSA COMMITMENT PARTNER EMPLOYABILITY ACTIONS U.S. Institutions
Associations & Organizations
Encouraged Students to Push Out of Comfort Zone 87% 62%
Overall
Coached Students to Communicate New Skills Effectively 81% 53% Encouraged STEM Student Development of Soft Skills 78% 52% Guided Program Choice Based on Desired Skills 66% 50% Integrated Employment-Related Outcomes 46% 48%
81% 75% Overall
72% Overall
62% Overall
47% Overall
“I always wanted to go into medicine and was always interested in international medicine. So, I really knew I needed experience in that realm… Because you can't be taking care of patients and come at them with a completely wrong baseline assumption about what their life is like or where they’re coming from.” 2017 EMPLOYABILITY STUDY PARTICIPANT IIE GENERATION STUDY ABROAD IMPACT REPORT / 19
WHAT DID WE LEARN ABOUT STUDY ABROAD?
BY 2020
The 2019 GLO study focused on graduate student participation in learning overseas and the ways in which institutions can strategically collect and leverage data to serve their graduate student populations. This study found that intentionality in collaborating across campus was critical. Intentional collaboration with academic departments allowed the international offices to better understand graduate learning overseas and effectively advance mutual learning goals. Between the 2018 and 2020 GSA Annual Progress Surveys, U.S. institution Commitment Partners engaged in meaningful collaboration through various curriculum integration efforts. The number of partners undertaking these efforts with academic departments increased in all areas.
75% O F PA R T N E R S
established a study abroad liaison for academic units, reflecting the importance of intentional collaboration found in the GLO study
GSA COMMITMENT PARTNER CURRICULUM INTEGRATION 2018
2020
Expanded Advising Materials
10%
Supported Faculty/Staff International Visits
4%
81%
64%
91%
Developed Program Options
6%
Developed Advising Tools Specific to Majors
4%
8%
38%
Appointed Curriculum Integration Lead
64%
90%
7%
67% 75%
20 / IIE GENERATION STUDY ABROAD IMPACT REPORT
50% 57%
5%
30%
68%
Held Faculty/ Advisor Workshops
3%
35%
68%
84%
Established Liaisons for Academic Units
Conducted Needs Assessment
35%
4%
Conducted Evaluation 25% 29%
WHAT DID WE LEARN ABOUT STUDY ABROAD?
Build the K-12 Pipeline to Study Abroad Through GSA, IIE aimed to mobilize all levels of education to engage in international education. In IIE’s Research and Policy Brief Series, Underrepresented Students in US Study Abroad: Investigating Impacts, Dr. Laura Engel synthesized the research suggesting positive impacts of early exposure to international experiences on K-12 students’ engagement in learning, confidence, and motivations for future college study, as well as future aspirations for and impacts on study abroad in post-secondary education. In addition to IIE and the AIFS Foundation’s campaign to motivate the K-12 education sector, several GSA Commitment Partners support or provide programming that enables teachers and students in the primary and secondary education levels to engage in international exchange experiences, building global competence in and out of the classroom. Partners, such as iEARN-USA, Reach the World, and World Savvy, virtually link teachers and students to a global community to foster inquiry, dialogue, and interest in global citizenry.
Underrepresented Students in US Study Abroad: Investigating Impacts synthesizes existing research on the association of study abroad with positive academic outcomes for minority and other underrepresented students.
Language learning and scholarship programs, such as the U.S. Department of State’s National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y) and Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study Abroad (YES Abroad) awards, engage high school students in critical language training and advance proficiency levels. GSA Commitment Partner American Council on Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) provides resources for language learners, educators, and advocates and is aiming to make language proficiency a national priority through its Lead with Languages national campaign. Lead with Languages promoted blogging about study abroad and language learning through a competition with a Eurail pass prize during the #YourStoryontheRails campaign in 2017.
In 2016, IIE presented the District of Columbia Public Schools System (DCPS) with the GSA Award, in recognition of the outstanding contributions it has made toward providing equitable access to study abroad opportunities for K-12 students in Washington, D.C. DCPS launched a ground-breaking, fully-funded study abroad program for 8th and 11th grade students, of which 400+ educators and students who were enrolled in a world language course participated in short-term language immersion, global leadership, or service learning trips. IIE GENERATION STUDY ABROAD IMPACT REPORT / 21
WHAT DID WE LEARN ABOUT STUDY ABROAD?
Early exposure to international experiences on K-12 students’ engagement has a positive effect on learning, confidence, and motivations for future college study.
22 / IIE GENERATION STUDY ABROAD IMPACT REPORT
Where do we go from here? IIE is committed to advancing study abroad post-COVID-19 in a way that is responsive to a changing environment, and leveraging our global network, philanthropic support, and data-driven learning to get there.
Commitment to Grow Study Abroad after COVID-19
40%
Looking to the Future The work that GSA Commitment Partners have done in demonstrating the value of study abroad to organizational leadership is apparent. But where do we go from here? To advance study abroad, Commitment Partners reported these top five topics of interest:
O F PA R T N E R S I N D I C AT E D T H AT L E A D E R S H I P
1. Financial aid and scholarship models
has already signaled a continued commitment to study abroad
3. Research and trends in study abroad
and another
39%
2. Advocating for study abroad 4. Diversity, inclusion, access, and equity 5. Virtual exchange and program integration
believe that a continued commitment to study abroad is likely
IIE GENERATION STUDY ABROAD IMPACT REPORT / 23
WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?
Data is Essential to Advocate for Study Abroad
“Continued data-based advocacy from IIE about the importance of global competency for the U.S. economy and foreign policy will be needed to help colleges bolster their arguments for need.” U.S. INSTITUTION GSA COMMITMENT PARTNER
Over the years of the initiative, GSA Commitment Partners of all types consistently rated the Open Doors data and analysis and IIE’s other research projects and publications as the most effective benefits the network offered. They were also the most popularly leveraged tool, with more than three-quarters of the network using these resources. IIE remains committed to not only continuing to produce research and make data available, but to helping the field understand how to best access, collect, and leverage data.
92%
used IIE’s research projects and Open Doors data to support study abroad
O F G S A PA R T N E R S
UTILITY OF BENEFITS PROVIDED BY IIE TO THE GSA PARTNER NETWORK IN SUPPORTING STUDY ABROAD FAIRLY EFFECTIVE
VERY EFFECTIVE
Open Doors Data and Analysis
31%
IIE Research Projects and Publications
38%
Social Media Toolkits
42%
Press Release Templates
47%
News Articles
42%
Generation Study Abroad Symposium
40%
IIE Summit
46%
GSA Webinars
44%
Commitment Partner Logo
33%
LinkedIn GSA Partner Network
35%
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91%
60%
84%
46%
77%
35%
76%
29%
73%
31%
72%
32%
70%
24%
63%
19%
61%
28% 18%
53%
WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?
Adapting through Virtual Programming The COVID-19 pandemic pushed the study abroad field to stretch its creativity and resourcefulness in delivering on its mission in a time of crisis. Commitment Partners quickly adapted to the pandemic by offering virtual programming, and many anticipate incorporating this type of programming into the future.
39%
“We are seeing the trend towards virtual programming opportunities. We hope to continue this commitment as an opportunity for students that may not otherwise engage in a global experience and a way to further increase global competencies as part of the campus culture.” U.S. INSTITUTION GSA COMMITMENT PARTNER
OF ALL GSA PARTNERS
developed new or scaled up existing virtual programs or courses
In the digital era, a natural pivot was the implementation of virtual programs or courses. Many in the study abroad space see the value of virtual programming not as a replacement, but as a supplemental tool to in-person experiences — an early “toes in the water” experience to promote study abroad participation — and a way to advance intercultural competency and knowledge for those who ultimately do not study abroad.
GSA COMMITMENT PARTNER ACTIVITIES TO PROMOTE STUDY ABROAD IN RESPONSE TO COVID-19 U.S. Institutions
International Institutions
Associations & Organizations
Built New Virtual International Experience Programs or Courses from the Ground Up 23% 44% 47%
30% Overall
Scaled Up Existing Virtual International Experience Programs or Courses 14% 13% 18%
15% Overall
IIE GENERATION STUDY ABROAD IMPACT REPORT / 25
GSA Commitment Partner Recognition IIE is grateful for and proud of the 800+ Generation Study Abroad Commitment Partners around the world that pledged to the five-year initiative and that continue to go beyond this initial commitment, driving their organizational strategic plans through evolving times.
For a full listing of GSA Commitment Partners, visit: iie.org/GSA
IIE Seal of Excellence As part of their commitment to the GSA initiative, the following U.S. institutions made strategic commitments aimed at increasing the number of U.S. students who study abroad. With the IIE Seal of Excellence, these institutions are recognized for meeting their pledge goals and helping the GSA mission to make study abroad more accessible and inclusive for all students.
2016 RECIPIENTS
College of Charleston Davidson County Community College Knox College Lamar University Pellissippi State Community College
2017 RECIPIENTS
Sacred Heart University State University of New York, College at Plattsburg State University of New York – Oswego
COMMITMENT PARTNER
The New School University of Nebraska – Lincoln University of South Alabama Upper Iowa University – Fayette
Arizona State University – Tempe
Hampton University
South Dakota State University
Bellarmine University
Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis
St. John’s University
Beloit College California State University – Dominguez Hills California State University – East Bay California State University – Fullerton Carroll College Castleton University Daytona State College
26 / IIE GENERATION STUDY ABROAD IMPACT REPORT
King’s College Le Moyne College
Texas A&M International University Texas State University
McKendree University
University of California – Los Angeles
Missouri State University
University of Cincinnati
Morgan State University
University of St. Thomas
Northwestern Michigan College
Walsh University
Saint Edward’s University
West Chester University of Pennsylvania
San Diego State University Sonoma State University
Wofford College
GSA COMMITMENT PARTNER RECOGNITION
IIE Seal of Excellence
COMMITMENT PARTNER
(continued)
2018 RECIPIENTS
Agnes Scott College
Mercer University
University of Michigan – Ann Arbor
Albright College
New Jersey Institute of Technology
University of New Haven
California Polytechnic State University – San Luis Obispo
Pima Community College
University of Pittsburgh – Greensburg
Case Western Reserve University
2019 RECIPIENTS
University of South Florida – Tampa
Chatham University
State University of New York Farmingdale State College
Coastal Carolina University
Stevens Institute of Technology
Dalton State College
Stockton University
Eckerd College
Temple University
Elon University
Texas Christian University
Florida State University
University of Maine – Farmington
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Georgia Institute of Technology
University of Maryland – Eastern Shore
Wenatchee Valley College
Ashland University
Missouri University of Science and Technology
University of Colorado – Colorado Springs
North Carolina State University
University of Houston
Central Piedmont Community College Delaware Valley University Eastern Washington University Elizabethtown College Fordham University
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College Rowan University
University of Texas – San Antonio University of Virginia – Charlottesville Virginia Commonwealth University
University of South Carolina – Columbia University of the Virgin Islands University of Washington – Bothell
South Texas College Susquehanna University
Westminster College of Salt Lake City
Syracuse University
Wheaton College
Texas A&M University – College Station
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Belmont University
Heidelberg University
Stevenson University
Central Michigan University
Hobart and William Smith Colleges
University of Findlay
Jamestown Community College Lander University Lehigh University Massachusetts College of Art and Design
2020 RECIPIENTS
Spelman College
Christopher Newport University College of William and Mary Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Florida Fairleigh Dickinson University – Metropolitan
Howard University Millersville University of Pennsylvania
Xavier University
University of Kansas University of Texas at Austin University of Tulsa
Ohio Northern University
University of Wisconsin – Madison
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Wake Forest University
IIE GENERATION STUDY ABROAD IMPACT REPORT / 27
“The goal-setting aspect of this initiative has provided a valuable opportunity to engage institutional leadership and gain support for education abroad efforts and goals linked to the Generation Study Abroad initiative.” U.S. INSTITUTION GSA COMMITMENT PARTNER
28 / IIE GENERATION STUDY ABROAD IMPACT REPORT
U.S. Government Partners Resources for Study Abroad U.S. Department of State The U.S. Department of State is committed to preparing the next generation of diverse American leaders to succeed in a globalized economy and work across borders to address our world's most pressing issues. Through the State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, various resources and opportunities are available for U.S. undergraduate and graduate students, educators, and U.S. colleges and universities, among others, to support study abroad, language learning, and professional interests. Some of these key initiatives are highlighted below:
Fulbright U.S. Student Program* | us.fulbrightonline.org The Fulbright U.S. Student Program offers fellowships for graduating college seniors, graduate students, young professionals and artists to study, conduct research, and/or teach English abroad. Up to 1,800 awards are available each academic year in over 140 countries. Other Fulbright programs offer opportunities to U.S. faculty, researchers, teachers, and professionals.
Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program* | gilmanscholarship.org The Gilman Program enables American undergraduate students of limited financial means to study or intern abroad, gaining proficiency in diverse languages and cultures and providing them with skills that are critically important to their academic and career development. Under this program, the John McCain International Scholarship for the Children of Military Families (Gilman-McCain Scholarship) is also available. Approximately 3,000 scholarships of up to $5,000 are awarded each academic year. Since its inception in 2001, the Gilman International Scholarship Program has awarded more than 33,000 scholarships to U.S. students studying or interning in 151 countries.
Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program* | clscholarship.org The CLS Program is an intensive overseas language and cultural immersion program for American undergraduate and graduate students. Every summer, approximately 550 U.S. students spend eight to ten weeks studying one of 15 critical languages in countries where these languages are widely spoken. The CLS Program is part of a wider government initiative to expand the number of Americans studying and mastering foreign languages that are critical to national security and economic prosperity. Participants are expected to continue their language study beyond the scholarship period, and later apply their critical language skills in their future professional careers.
IDEAS Program | studyabroadcapacitybuilding.org The Capacity Building Program for U.S. Study Abroad, also known as IDEAS (Increase and Diversify Education Abroad for U.S. Students), is designed to increase and diversify American student mobility in support of U.S. foreign policy goals. The program expands the institutional capacity of U.S. colleges and universities through IDEAS Grants, IDEAS Incubator Workshops, and capacity building initiatives for the wider U.S. study abroad community. *Successful program completion allows alumni of the Fulbright U.S. Student, Gilman, and CLS Programs to be eligible for up to three years of non-competitive eligibility (NCE) hiring status within the federal government. NCE makes it easier for federal agencies to hire exchange alumni who meet the minimum qualifications of a given position with three key advantages: less competition, a faster application process and strong interest from hiring managers. IIE GENERATION STUDY ABROAD IMPACT REPORT / 29
U.S. GOVERNMENT PARTNERS RESOURCES FOR STUDY ABROAD
U.S. Department of Defense
Boren Awards | borenawards.org The Boren Awards provide unique funding opportunities for U.S. students to study less commonly taught languages in world regions critical to U.S. interests, including Africa, Asia, Central & Eastern Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East, with an emphasis on long-term immersion overseas. Boren Awards alumni are committed to public service, working in positions critical to U.S. national security throughout the Federal Government, including the Departments of State, Defense, Homeland Security, and USAID.
The Language Flagship | thelanguageflagship.org Through a network of 31 Flagship Programs at 23 institutions of higher education across the U.S., The Language Flagship graduates students who will take their place among the next generation of global professionals, commanding a superior level of proficiency in one of ten languages critical to U.S. national security and economic competitiveness. Students come from all regions of the nation and pursue a variety of academic and professional interests in addition to language study. Flagship Certified Professionals are highly motivated graduates who possess: • Professional-level language proficiency in their Flagship language of choice; • Advanced cultural skills and experience living and working abroad; and • Intercultural insights for careers in federal government, global business, nongovernmental organizations, and other fields.
Project Global Officer | rotcprojectgo.org Project Global Officer (Project GO) is a collaborative initiative that promotes critical language education, study abroad, and intercultural dialogue opportunities for Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) students. This Department of Defense initiative is aimed at improving the language skills, regional expertise, and intercultural communication skills of future military officers.
Language Training Center | dodltc.org The Language Training Center (LTC) Program provides language and culture training for Department of Defense (DoD) personnel by leveraging existing university programs and resources to meet the needs of DoD organizations and units. Through flexible and innovative training, the LTC program has supported the language and culture training needs of a wide range of DoD personnel, including military linguists, intelligence analysts, special operations forces, foreign area officers, and the general-purpose forces.
English for Heritage Language Speakers | ehlsprogram.org The English for Heritage Language Speakers (EHLS) Program offers a unique opportunity to U.S. citizens who are native speakers of critical languages to participate in intensive training in professional communication and career skills essential for working in the federal government. EHLS graduates offer federal agencies native-speaker level proficiency in a critical language as well as confidence and ease with interacting in a government workplace. 30 / IIE GENERATION STUDY ABROAD IMPACT REPORT
IIE Resources for Study Abroad
Research, Evaluation & Learning
IIENetwork
Since 1919, IIE has pioneered applied research and policy analysis in the field of international education. IIE’s Research, Evaluation & Learning team collects and disseminates data on student mobility and provides research and program evaluation services to domestic and international governmental agencies, nongovernmental organizations, and foundations. IIE’s publications are standard reference resources for students and advisers, and IIE’s research reports and policy papers serve as a rapid response to the changing landscape of international education.
The IIENetwork is IIE’s global membership network of more than 10,000 professionals from 1,500 institutions, organizations, and government partners. Through the IIENetwork, IIE shares resources, data, and timely information that are designed to help organizations and campuses strategize about the future of global education and make critical decisions. It is the best way to connect with IIE’s programs, resources, and events.
International Partnership Building
To learn more and join the IIENetwork, visit iie.org/IIENetwork.
IIE Publications
IIE creates cross-border connections among HEIs, faculty, and students to cultivate research collaboration, foster diplomacy, build capacity, and exchange ideas.
Resources to support international education stakeholders that are available to download or purchase. Below are the more recent study abroad focused publications:
IIEPassport.org
2020 Broadening Opportunities for Study Abroad: U.S. Government Funded Scholarship Programs
Through IIE’s searchable online database for study abroad programs, students have access to discover the variety of study abroad programs seeking participants.
2019 Faculty and Education Abroad: The Role of Faculty in Promoting Global Learning on U.S. Campuses 2019 Who’s Counting? Understanding the Landscape of Graduate Learning Overseas 2017 Generation Study Abroad: Year One Impact 2017 Underrepresented Students and US Study Abroad: Investigating Impacts 2017 Gaining an Employment Edge: The Impact of Study Abroad on 21st Century Skills & Career Prospects in the United States 2016 The World is the New Classroom: Non-Credit Education Abroad 2015 A Parent Guide to Study Abroad (English and Spanish editions) 2014 What Will It Take to Double Study Abroad? A “Green Paper” on the Big 11 Ideas from IIE’s Generation Study Abroad Think Tank 2013 A Student Guide to Study Abroad
IIE American Passport Project For students of limited means, studying abroad can require long-term planning, and financial hurdles. The cost of a passport can bar them from moving forward. Through the IIE American Passport Project, U.S. colleges and universities in the IIENetwork will be selected to nominate firstyear students, who are eligible for Pell grants, to have the needed support to obtain a U.S. passport and plan to study abroad. IIE aims to enable at least 1,000 students annually. Learn more at IIE.org/IIEPassportProject. IIE GENERATION STUDY ABROAD IMPACT REPORT / 31
About IIE The Institute of International Education (IIE) is a world leader in helping people and organizations leverage the power of international education to thrive in today’s interconnected world. As a not-for-profit with 17 offices and affiliates worldwide, IIE manages 200+ programs with participants from 180+ countries. Each year, tens of thousands of people participate in IIE-managed programs. IIE collaborates with a range of corporate, government and foundation partners across the globe to design and manage scholarship, study abroad, workforce training, and leadership development programs. At IIE, we believe that when education transcends borders, it opens minds, enabling people to go beyond building connections to solving problems together. Our vision is a peaceful, equitable world enriched by the international exchange of ideas and greater understanding between people and cultures.
About Generation Study Abroad To push participation to new heights, IIE launched Generation Study Abroad (GSA) in 2014 as a five-year initiative to mobilize resources and commitments with the ambitious goal of doubling the number of U.S. students studying abroad by the end of the decade. Since that time, GSA has become a global movement with 800+ Commitment Partners worldwide pledging to expand study abroad opportunities and participation through their institution, school, organization, or government. Research, best practices, financial support, events, and other resources were generated and provided by IIE and the GSA Commitment Partner Network to aid students, international educators and program providers, and other study abroad advocates to increase and diversify access to study abroad. Creating a movement as large and impactful as GSA took a village and we want to thank the many IIE team members that contributed to its success. Special acknowledgment goes to colleagues who were directly involved in leading the initiative: Daniel Obst, Wagaye Johannes, and Lindsay Calvert.
