Bridging the Gap: Why So Few U.S. Students Study Abroad—and What We Can Do About It

By Jamie Greer

Study abroad programs (SAPs) have long been touted as transformative, high-impact educational experiences. They open doors to cultural understanding, foster independence, and prepare students for a globalized workforce. Yet, despite these known benefits, fewer than 2% of U.S. college students participate in SAPs annually (NAFSA, 2023; IIE, 2024). Even more concerning is the underrepresentation of specific student populations, namely men, students of color, or education majors.

As a doctoral student and educator, I wanted to understand why. Why do so many students want to study abroad but never get the chance? What barriers are holding them back? And more importantly, what can institutions and policymakers do to ensure more equitable access to global learning opportunities?

The Study: Listening to Students
Using a qualitative single case study design, I interviewed six students at one 4-year university United States. Three had studied abroad. Three had not, despite serious interest. All identified as members of historically underrepresented groups in SAPs.
Grounded in Personal Investment (PI) theory, which emphasizes how an individual’s sense of self, perceived options, and personal incentives influence decision-making, I analyzed how these internal motivators interacted with external realities.

What I Learned
Students who considered study abroad self-described as social, active, adventurous, and independent. They were curious about the world and motivated by personal and professional growth.

The students who decided to study abroad were motivated not just by interest, but by support systems and timing. They had family members, faculty, and advisors who encouraged them. They also had flexible degree plans that allowed study abroad to “fit.”

By contrast, the students who did not study abroad also wanted the experience, but faced institutional and academic barriers. Participants could not find courses that aligned with their degree plan. Additionally, the fear of going alone, without classmates or familiar faculty was a barrier. A lack of early, proactive planning and a perception of unsupportive academic advisors deterred them from studying abroad. For some, study abroad didn’t feel like an option, even when technically available.

Why It Matters
These findings point to a critical fork in the road: the gap between considering study abroad with a desire for an international experience and actually participating. And it’s not just about the students themselves. Institutional culture, advising practices, academic flexibility, and state-level certification requirements (particularly for future teachers) all play a role.

If we want more diverse students to study abroad, or even just more students period, we cannot rely on motivation alone. We must dismantle structural and cultural barriers that make SAPs feel inaccessible or unrealistic.

What We Can Do
1. Tailor SAPs for all majors – Education majors, for example, often face rigid program structures. Schools should develop timely or practicum-integrated options that meet credentialing requirements.
2. Start conversations early – Students need to learn about study abroad as early as possible, and before they map out their credits. High school outreach and first-year college advising are key.
3. Provide institutional support – Strong academic advising, targeted programming, and peer mentoring can help students feel empowered and informed.
4. Engage policymakers – State and national leaders play a vital role in making international education a priority, especially through inclusive funding and certification flexibility.

Study abroad shouldn’t be a luxury for the few, it should be an achievable, supported opportunity for the many. With thoughtful collaboration among institutions, families, and policymakers, we can ensure every student has a real chance to explore the world, grow as a person, and bring that global perspective back home.

Have you studied abroad—or wanted to but couldn’t? I’d love to hear your story in the comments below.