The Changing Face of Study Abroad

THE NEW FACE OF STUDY ABROAD HOW TO SAVE MONEY BY TAKING ADVANTAGE OF POST-RECESSION TRENDS Since the 2008 recession, study abroad has changed. Studying in Europe for the spring semester of junior year isn't your only option. Affordable, short-term programs and fast-growing countries are becoming popular choices. Keep reading to find out how study abroad programs are changing and how to use these changes to save money. TOTAL U.S. STUDENTS STUDYING ABROAD, 2000-2010 273,996 270,604 262,415 260,327 241,791 223,534 +1.25% +3.95% 205,983 -0.80% +8.53% 191,321 +8.17% 174,629 160,920 +8.52% 154,168 +7.66% +9.56% +8.52% +4.38% 2001- 2004- 2005 2005- 2006 2007- 2008 2009- 2008- 2000- 2001 2010- 2011 2002- 2003- 2006- 2002 2003 2004 2007 2009 2010 HOW CAN YOU MAKE STUDYING ABROAD MORE AFFORDABLE? STUDY LATER IN YOUR ACADEMIC CAREER Junior year is still the most popular time to go abroad, but the percentage of study abroad students who are seniors or graduate students is rising. By delaying your trip for a semester or two, you can save up more money for it. ACADEMIC LEVEL AT TIME OF STUDY ABROAD (BY % OF U.S. STUDENTS STUDYING ABROAD) SENIORS, FRESHMAN, MASTER'S, AND SOPHOMORES, % STUDENTS DOCTORAL AND JUNIORS STUDENTS +8.3% +9.1% +8.9% +10.5% +11.8% +13.5% +8.7% +8.6% +10% +10.5% +13.6% 2000-1 2001-2 2002-3 2003-4 2004-5 2005-6 2006-7 2007-8 2008-9 2009-10 2010-11 STUDY ON A SHORTER PROGRAM Short-term programs are becoming more popular at the expense of semesters and years abroad. Shorter programs offer the experience of living abroad without the long-term commitment or high price. DURATION OF STUDY ABROAD (BY % OF U.S. STUDENTS STUDYING ABROAD) % GROWTH 2007-08 2010-11 -1.05% -2.82% +20.91% -1.39% -9.76% -11.76% 8 WEEKS OR LESS JANUARY TERM SUMMER TERM ONE QUARTER ONE SEMESTER ACADEMIC YEAR "WE HAVE ALSO SEEN SHORT-TERM FACULTY-LED PROGRAMS AND SUMMER PROGRAMS ON THE RISE, BOTH OF WHICH ARE EASIER ON THE WALLET." -MIKE STONE, ABROAD101 STUDY IN COUNTRIES WITH A LOWER COST OF LIVING The UK and Italy are still the most popular destinations. However, countries with a lower cost of living are growing the fastest. These countries reflect students' interest in emerging economies, environmentalism, and technology. Studying in China or India is cheaper and more practical than studying in Europe. TOP GROWING DESTINATIONS IN NUMBER OF U.S. STUDENTS +1,431 CHANGE 2007-08 2010-11 +1,134 +1,199 +1,119 +890 CHINA INDIA COSTA ISRAEL SOUTH RICA KOREA Studying abroad later, staying for a shorter period of time, and choosing lower-cost countries are the best ways to make international study more affordable. WHERE WILL YOUR EDUCATION TAKE YOU? SOURCES: http://www.ie.org/Research-and-Publications/Open-Doors/Data/US-Study-Abroad/All-Destinations wehostels http://www.ie.org/Research-and-Publications/Open-Doors/Data/US-Study-Abroad/Duration-of-Study-Abroad/2000-11 http://www.ie.org/Research-and-Publications/Open-Doors/Data/US-Study-Abroad/Student-Profile/2000-11 http://www.ie.org/Research-and-Publications/Open-Doors/Data/US-Study-Abroad/Leading-Destinations