Over the years, studying abroad has become a popular part of the undergraduate college experience.
But studies show that it is also an experience that many low-income and minority students do not take part in.
According to the annual Open Doors Report by the Institute of International Education, in 2011-12 a record number of American students studied abroad — 283,332. But more than three-quarters of those students were white.
According to the study, Hispanic students made up only 7.6 percent of students studying abroad. That was up from 6.9 percent of students the year prior. Black students represented just 5.3 percent of students in 2011-12.
U.S. News and World Report noted that finances often pose a barrier to studying abroad. The article notes that in some cases students may still receive financial aid while abroad, and that there are also some scholarships for low-income students.
Other options include shorter study abroad experiences of eight weeks or less.
