BEYOND THE HEDGES: Survey of study-abroad participants released

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"The idea of study abroad is finally catching on in the United States," William Cressey, vice president and chief academic officer at the Council on International Educational Exchange, said. "Ten years ago it was thought of as an attractive add-on to a college education. People are increasingly seeing it as a central part."

Study-abroad advisers say the growth is due in part to efforts to raise the profile of international education. They also say that Americans are more aware of the benefits of going abroad and that colleges are developing new programs to meet the changing needs of today's students.

Colleges have also developed international internships as well as short-term programs for those who don't have the time or money to spend a semester or year abroad.

William McCloud, a senior at Morehouse College, spent a year at the University of Oxford in London, England, because "as an economics major, it would be very shallow for me to think I can only focus on what is going on in the United States."

Britain remains the most popular destination for U.S. students. The other top destinations for American students were France, Spain and Italy. Mexico was the most popular country in Latin America, while Kenya topped the list of African countries.

Source: The Chronicle of Higher Education, Dec. 6

This item appeared in the News section of the December 6, 1996 issue.

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