Samuel Greengard Students learn about studying abroad at the university of Wisconsin, Platteville’s international Programs fair.

Society | DOI: 10.1145/1506409.1506416

Learning Goes Global

In a world that’s increasingly global and interconnected, international education is growing, changing, and evolving.

In Terna TIonal edUCa TIon Isn’T actly a new concept. For years, students have traveled abroad for exchange programs and to obtain degrees. “For many, at-

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tending a university in another country is viewed as an ideal way to gain exposure to another culture, learn a language, and participate in an interesting and enriching experience,” explains Peggy Blumenthal, chief operating officer for the Institute of International Education in New York City. “It’s an important part of the academic environment.”

However, in a world that’s increasingly global and interconnected, international education is growing, changing, and evolving. Overall, more than 1. 5 million students a year study at schools outside their country’s borders. According to the Institute of International Education, 173,122 new students enrolled in undergraduate, graduate, and non-degree programs worldwide in 2008—an increase of 7% over the previous year. At the same time, the number of U.S. students studying abroad grew by about 8% to a total of more than 241,791. Some places, such as China, are now experiencing double-digit growth rates.

It’s certainly not your mom and dad’s summer abroad. What’s more, a growing number of these students are from fields such as mathematics, computer science, and natural sciences. “The nature and types of programs are expanding. We’re seeing everything from short-term programs that are eight weeks or less to master’s programs with a full term abroad,” states Brian Whalen, president and CEO of the Forum on Education Abroad and associate provost at Dickinson College in Carlisle, PA. “Technology and communication are changing the way people think about education and making international studies more accessible and popular.”

making the Grade

Study abroad programs once centered mostly on sketching pictures of the Eiffel Tower or learning the finer points of Italian art or German literature. Students in disciplines such as mathematics, computer science, or engineering usually found it difficult, if not impossible, to leave their home institution’s program without risking falling behind or veering off track. What’s more, most universities weren’t inclined to develop exchange programs for those majoring in the sciences.

The situation is changing, however. Thanks to computers, the Internet, and other communication and collaboration tools, the ability to link people and

course content is entirely viable. Email, social networking applications such as Facebook, and low- or no-cost calling services such as Skype make it possible for international students to stay in touch with family and friends. In addition, technology and collaboration software—as well as ultra-high-speed Internet2—have made it possible for schools to link programs to one another and create a seamless learning experience. Increasingly, these programs include master’s degrees and doctorate degrees.

Hochschule Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences in Germany is among the schools that have jumped onto the international stud-

photograph by andy mcneill