From Aberdeen to ZagrebAn Introduction to Study Abroad at IWU

The Value of Study Abroad: The Usual Reasons

Improve one’s language skills.

Acquire a new perspective on academic field of study; participate in and internship, engage in service learning, or conduct research project abroad.

Develop a broader mind—experience another culture and other viewpoints, and learn more about one’s own country and culture.

Increase problem-solving skills, self-confidence, maturity, adaptability.

Become more prepared to work in a global economy.

Value of Study Abroad: What Research Shows

Students who study abroad reported greater levels of deep learningand greater gains in learning and personal development. (National Survey of Student Engagement)

In an IWU Alumni Survey, studying abroad was one of the top 2 activities that contributed to the personal and professional development (81% of respondents).

Students who had studied abroad showed improved academic performance (higher GPA in the semesters after studying abroad) and graduated on time at higher rates. (2010 University of Georgia study)

97% of study abroad students found employment within 1 year of graduation (v. 49% of the general population) and earned an average of $7000/yr more than their peers. (2012 IES Recent Graduates Survey)

The Value of Study Abroad:What Employers Say

Employers say they want people: With strong cognitive skills (problem solving, analytical ability)

With good interpersonal and relationship skills

Who have tolerance for ambiguity and ability to adapt to changes quickly

With cross-cultural competence (ability to work well in different cultures and with people of different origins)

With character, self-reliance, and dependability (RAND Corp., 2003)

60% of businesses in a 2009 survey reported that hiring/promotion strategy pursued and rewarded recruits with study abroad experience. (IIE 2009)

Some Numbers…

oStudy abroad by American students has more than tripled over the past two decades.

o283,332 American students studied abroad in 2011-12 — an all-time high.

oNationally, about 14% of American students receiving Bachelor’s degrees this past year have studied abroad at some point during their undergraduate programs — compared with close to 50% of IWU students!

oLast year, IWU students could be found studying in 33 countries.

oThe top fields of study for studying abroad are the social sciences (22.4%), business/management (20.5%), and the humanities (10.8%) — but 8.6% of science students study abroad (the fourth highest rate of participation).

592

437

1027

49

IWU students on semester, yearlong, or summer study abroad programs over the past 5 years.

IWU students who studied abroad in May Term over the past 5 years.

Total number of students who have studied abroad in the past 5 years—about 50% of each graduating class.

Total number of countries IWU students have studied in the past 5 years.

Types of Study Abroad

Center or “Island” program

Direct Enrollment program

Hybrid program

Students study with other US university

students at an academic center.

Students study with a university with host country students.

Students take some courses with other US university

students and some course at university with host country

students.

Experientialprogram

Students engage in field-based research and study

Academic Credit

All study abroad coursework comes back to IWU as units toward graduation (elective coursework).

Students can, with the approval of the appropriate department chair/program director, also receive credit toward major, minor, and General Education requirements.

A 2008 survey showed that over 60% of semester study abroad students earned credit toward their major and over 51% percent earned credit toward their General Education requirements.

Living Situation

Varies, depending on program Homestays

Residence Halls, colegios, kollegiums

Apartments

Meals Full or partial meals with homestay family

University dining facilities

“self-catered”

Transportation In many programs, students will commute (walk, bus, metro) between home and

classroom.

In some direct enrollment programs, students will live on campus.

Health and Safety

State Department Travel Warnings

IWU Foreign Travel Accident and Sickness insurance (automatic, no cost) Many affiliated programs also provide or require students to purchase

additional insurance

On-site staff to help and support students University office(s)

Program staff

IWU faculty

Students must also take responsibility for their own health and safety

Questions?