Terra Dotta's "Voice of the Students" Survey Reveals Need for More Financial Support to Meet Study Abroad Demand

Two-thirds of Students Say Cost is Primary Barrier to Studying Abroad and 60% Don't Feel Completely Informed About Study Abroad Funding

CHAPEL HILL, N.C., April 10, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Terra Dotta, a leading global engagement education technology provider, today announced the results of its third annual study abroad survey, "Voice of the Students," with key insights on students' study abroad perspectives. And while two-thirds of students surveyed plan to study abroad, two-thirds also say cost is the primary barrier. Overall, 70% of students interested in study abroad report that they rely on financial aid and scholarships to fund the experience, yet 60% don't feel completely informed about how to manage tuition and finances.

"Students value study abroad as a global experience that can expand their worldview and it's up to institutions to provide clear and reliable information on their options - including funding," said Ron Carson, CMO of Terra Dotta. "By utilizing solutions to improve students' access to program information and financial aid and scholarship resources, study abroad offices can help increase study abroad accessibility, while future-proofing for a new era of international education."

Communicating the Value of Study Abroad
Higher ed institutions play a critical role in promoting study abroad opportunities, as more than half of today's students first discover study abroad through their university (e.g., information sessions, orientation, website or marketing), followed by family and friends (32%). Nearly half (47%) of students get their study abroad information from their school's website and the top resources students cited as helpful in selecting a program are dedicated study abroad advisors, a database of student reviews and experiences and program provider info sessions. There is an opportunity for institutions to better connect with students on important program details as more than half of students don't feel completely informed about credit transfer (62%), how to fulfill and align programming to degree requirements (56%) and tuition and financial aid options for study abroad (60%).

Making Study Abroad More Accessible
Improving affordability and sharing financial aid information for study abroad programs is crucial to help grow the number and diversity of students who study abroad. When asked about the top thing institutions could do to make study abroad more accessible, 41% of students said the institution could help them learn about financial aid for study abroad and 30% said to make the process easier. Besides cost, global safety concerns (36%), worried parents (25%) and geopolitical issues (24%) are also prominent factors that might limit the number of students participating in study abroad programs. This is an opportunity for institutions to do more to address safety perceptions and provide communication and alert tools.

Personal Growth a Top Study Abroad Benefit
Study abroad programs have shown to increase students' graduation rates, employability and overall cultural awareness, and the survey concurs as 90% of students indicate study abroad is important for their personal and professional growth. Most students consider problem solving (60%), adaptability (59%) and cross-cultural communication to be career-relevant skills they learn during a study abroad experience. Overall, 83% of students say that studying abroad has an impact on their worldview.

More than one-third of the students interested in study abroad are planning a full semester abroad with the top three destinations being Italy (16%), the UK (12%) and Japan (11%).

Study Methodology
Findings from Terra Dotta's third annual "Study Abroad Survey: The Voice of the Students" came from an online survey conducted by Thrive Analytics. Data collection occurred between January and February 2024 gathering responses from 258 U.S. college students enrolled in a public or private institution.

To learn more and access the full report, visit https://www.terradotta.com/ebook-study-abroad-survey-2024.html.

About Terra Dotta
Terra Dotta is the trusted leader in global engagement solutions for higher education. Over 700 universities and colleges use Terra Dotta's global engagement platform to facilitate cross-cultural experiences for students, faculty and staff in more than 85 countries worldwide. The company's solutions help customers deliver end-to-end, accessible global engagement experiences that meet comprehensive safety and compliance requirements ? from managing domestic and international travel to international student programs, virtual and global experiences and beyond. Terra Dotta is based in Chapel Hill, N.C. and can be found at http://www.terradotta.com.

Media Contact

Meggan Manson, Terra Dotta, 301-371-6995, [email protected]

SOURCE Terra Dotta