Improving African American College Students’ Participation in Study Abroad
Year: 2012
Type: preprint
Abstract: One of the major roles of colleges and universities is the preparation of the workforce for the global economy (Metzger, 2006). Regardless of efforts to diversify the study abroad population and increase the participation rate of minority students, Caucasians remain the largest group represented at 83% for the past 10 years (Current Trends in US Study Abroad and the Impact of Strategic Diversity Initiatives, 2007). In 2009/10, only 4.7% of all study abroad college students were African American, 6.4% were Hispanic American, and 0.5% were Native American (Institute for International Education, 2012). Reasons for these low percentages of study abroad participation among minority students have not been adequately investigated, nor are there a number of significant studies on the decision making process of minority college students who choose to participate in study abroad programs. Using Peterson’s (2003) Model of the Decision to Study Abroad, 20 African American undergraduate college students from a university in north east Maryland who already engaged in study abroad programs were interviewed to identify motivations and experiences for participation in study abroad programs. Based on Moustakas' (1994) modification of van Kaam's phenomenological methodology data were analyzed using NVivo 9 software. Twelve themes of significant importance for decision making emerged. Students also provided a wealth of information and creative suggestions for improving African American participation in Study Abroad. Increasing opportunities to study aboard is important in educating global citizens able to adapt quickly to their changing environments.
Source: SSRN Electronic Journal
Authors: Alena Cheppel, Joann Kovacich
Institution: University of Phoenix
Language: English
Subfield: Communication
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
SDG: Quality education
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2290678253