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Study abroad was highlighted in a number of the articles that covered student mobility news and trends based on the Open Doors 2014 report released by IIE this week, and many campuses also published news items on their own study abroad programs and participation.

Many articles quoted IIE’s president Allan Goodman and Special Counselor Peggy Blumenthal, as well as Assistant Secretary of State Evan Ryan in talking about the importance of study abroad, including this comment from IIE president Allan Goodman:

"International experience is one of the most important components of a 21st century education, and study abroad should be viewed as an essential element of a college degree," said IIE president, Allan Goodman. "Learning how to study and work with people from other countries and cultures also prepares future leaders to contribute to making the world a less dangerous place."

An article in the Christian Science Monitor included these comments:

"It would seem after Sept. 11 that international exchange might have slowed down or ground to a halt, but the numbers have continued to grow on both sides," said Peggy Blumenthal of the Institute of International Education on a call with reporters. "In today’s very complicated world, it’s educational exchange that is the hope that we can find ways to work together."

Increasing the number of US students who study abroad is still a goal, said Evan Ryan, assistant secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs, in a call with reporters, noting that international experience and a broad worldview are increasingly necessary in a global economy. "There's work to be done to make it more acceptable and more affordable," Ms. Ryan said.

One trend that was noted in several articles was the growth in study abroad by STEM students. From the International Business Times: "The most popular majors for American study abroad participants were in the science, technology, engineering and math fields. STEM students numbered 65,223 in 2012-13, a change of 8.8 percent from the year before, Open Doors data indicate. This was likely due to university support, senior counselor to the President Peggy Blumenthal told Inside Higher Ed."The big difference we’ve seen over the past 15 years is that U.S. engineering schools, U.S. science departments are really pushing students to study abroad," she said. And an article in Fusion took a close look at the population of students who study abroad, noting the need to make it possible for more diverse students to gain an international experience.

International Business Times
Study Abroad 2014: More American College Students Studying In United Kingdom, South Africa

Forbes
India and U.S. Higher Education: Strong Indian Presence in the United States, but Americans Studying in India Still Meager

Inside Higher Ed
International Enrollment Up

Fusion.net
America’s students abroad don’t look like America’s students at home

Denver Business Journal
A Colorado university ranked No. 1 for study-abroad programs

Chronicle of Higher Education
International-Student Numbers Continue Record-Breaking Growth

E-Net News
Elon ranks #1 in study abroad, setting new records for global experiences

NYU Local
NYU Ranks #1 in Attracting International Students