Pushing to increase the number and diversity of U.S. students abroad

The Institute of International Education's Generation Study Abroad Summit is where you would expect advocacy for U.S. students to study abroad. Nevertheless, participants at the conference explored how to increase the numbers beyond the current 9.4% of undergraduates estimated to have at least some kind of abroad experience, with a focus on greater breadth among those who do. The pitch to students who are studying abroad in lower numbers (1st-generation, community college, military veterans, and students with disabilities) is possibly that study abroad significantly improves your employability after graduation. In her keynote, Angel Cabrera, President of George Mason University, said, "You cannot have a successful career unless you develop the skills to interact with and work productively with people who are different from you. It's absolutely essential."