Mission: Double Number of Students Who Study Abroad
By Joselyn Yap
04/16/2014 at 01:01 PM
04/16/2014 at 01:01 PM
Cal State San Bernardino has pledged to join the Institute of International Education (IIE)’s Generation Study Abroad initiative to double the number of American students who study abroad by the end of the decade. CSUSB has committed to doubling the number of undergraduate students who study abroad to more than 400 over the next five years.
Leading up to IIE’s centennial celebration in 2019, Generation Study Abroad will engage educators at all levels and stakeholders in the public and private sectors to drive meaningful, innovative action to increase the number of U.S. students who have the opportunity to gain international experience through academic study abroad programs, as well as internships, service learning and non-credit educational experiences.
Building on its nearly 100-year commitment to study abroad, IIE has committed $2 million of its own funds to this initiative over the next 5 years.
Under the commitment, Cal State San Bernardino will work to:
• Increase the efficiency and effectiveness of current study abroad programs through increased coordination across academic programs, implementation of a cloud-based management system, enhanced flexibility in international travel funding restrictions for faculty members, and better communication regarding financial aid information.
• Increase the number of study abroad programs with a goal of at least one new program each year over the next six years.
• Increase revenues for study abroad programs through fund raising for scholarships and identifying other sources of funding.
“Cal State San Bernardino’s focus on international study and global awareness has grown and continues to grow because we understand studying abroad enhances a student’s overall education and outlook,” said CSUSB President Tomás Morales.
The university currently sends over 200 students abroad to about 20 countries annually, said Paul Amaya, co-director of the CSUSB Center for International Studies and Programs.
CSUSB students have praise for the international program.
College senior Emily Ensign, who this June will be the first in her family to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in psychology, said studying abroad helped make her a competitive and well-rounded student. She was one of three students chosen from a pool of students from around the world placed at the University of Bristol in the United Kingdom. Ensign worked alongside a professor whose work is under review for publication.
“I am incredibly thankful to California State University, San Bernardino’s study abroad programs for the significant effect it had on my future possibilities and potential as a student,” Ensign said. “Although my accomplishments took much diligence, I know I am fortunate to overcome and go beyond societal expectations of what my level of success should be. I hope my experience with international education will inspire others to do the same.”
This fall, Ensign will return to Bristol for a master’s of science degree in neuropsychology, one of 30 placements from among thousands of applicants from around the world. Ensign said the study abroad will also enhance her options to pursue a doctoral degree.
With 2.6 million students graduating with associates or baccalaureate degrees each year, it is clear that major segments of America’s young people are not getting the international experience they will need to advance their careers and participate in the global economy, or to work together across borders to address global issues.