STEM Students Abroad:

Understanding their Motivations and

Experiences

Presented by: Christina Dinges, Study Away Advisor, Office of Cross-Cultural Programs,

Susquehanna UniversityJennifer Ellis Fritz, Associate Director, Office of International Education,

Bucknell UniversityErica Haas-Gallo, Study Abroad Advisor, International Academic Programs,

University of Wisconsin-MadisonKatie Saur, Assistant Director, Office of Overseas Study, Indiana University

What is STEM?

Science Technology Engineering Mathematics

Over 280 majors

Animal Science, Food Science, Pharmacology, Soil Science, Information Technology, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Chemistry,

Robotics, Solar Technology, Ocean Engineering, Medical Science, Wildlife Biology, Animal Genetics, Cell Physiology, Industrial Management,

Nanotechnology, Biochemistry, Mining Technology, Computer Hardware, Neuroscience, Bioinformatics, Toxicology, Mathematical Statistics,

Geometry, Astronomy, Analytical Chemistry, Geophysics, Theoretical Physics, Genome Science, Medical Informatics, Electromechanical

Technology, Undersea Warfare, Data Modeling , Environmental Science, Artificial Intelligence, Horticulture, Immunology, Hydraulics, Biophysics,

Conservation Biology, Geometry

STEM AbroadField of Study %

Social Sciences 22.1

Business/Management 20.4

Humanities 10.4

Fine or Applied Arts 7.8

Physical/Life Sciences 8.8

Foreign Languages 4.9

Health Professions 4.1

Education 4.0

Engineering 3.9

Math/Computer Science 1.9

Agriculture 1.3

Undeclared 2.7

Other Fields of Study 5.2

Total 100

STEM total 22.5

IIE Open Doors Report 2014

students abroad 2012-13

Goals of Survey:

Look at what types of study abroad experiences STEM students are going on

Look at what factors impact a STEM’s student decision about studying abroad

Look at who is impacting a STEM’s student to decision to study abroad

Look at what skills STEM students are gaining by studying abroad

STEM Survey

26.3%

Male

73.7%

Female

STEM Survey

STEM Survey

Gender

26.3%

Male

73.7%

Female

Answer Options Response Percent Response Count

Male

26.3% 143

Female

73.7% 400

STEM Survey

Race/Ethnicity

Answer OptionsResponse

Percent

Response

Count

White 89.0% 483

Multiracial 1.3% 7

Black or African-American 1.5% 8

Hispanic 3.1% 17

Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander 0.4% 2

Asian 7.9% 43

Native American 0.6% 3

Other 0.7% 4

answered question 543

skipped question 1

STEM Survey

Overall Survey Results

Home University/Institution:

Answer Options Response Percent Response Count

Susquehanna University 6.3% 34

Bucknell University 16.1% 87

Indiana University 20.5% 111

University of Wisconsin - Madison 57.1% 309

answered question 541

Institutional Profile: Susquehanna

Enrollment Undergraduate: 2,200

Institutional TypePrivateResidential

Academic ProfileThe School of Arts and SciencesThe Sigmund Weis School of Business

Study Abroad Office StructureCentralized

Annual Student Mobility-Study Away450-500

Cross Cultural Experience Requirement

is off-campus

2 weeks minimum

does not have to be for credit

2013 Andrew Heiskell Award for Internationalizing the Campus, presented by the Institute of International Education (IIE) in recognition of Susquehanna’s Global Opportunities (GO) program and other related initiatives.

Survey Summary: Susquehanna University

Used Department of Homeland Security expanded list of STEM degrees in to identify majors

Survey sent to 90 STEM majors participating on an GO program from Fall 2011 to Summer 2014.

Survey Findings: Susquehanna

What field was/is your college major in?

Answer Options Response Percent Response Count

Science88.2% 30

Technology0.0% 0

Engineering0.0% 0

Mathematics11.8% 4

Gender

0.0%

10.0%

20.0%

30.0%

40.0%

50.0%

60.0%

70.0%

80.0%

Male Female

Male

Female

0.0%

10.0%

20.0%

30.0%

40.0%

50.0%

60.0%

70.0%

80.0%

90.0%

100.0%

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Race/Ethnicity

Where are SU STEM student going?Most Popular

Australia 22.7% Austria 9.1% Ecuador 9.1% France 9.1% Spain 9.1%

Trending

China 4.5% Costa Rica 4.5% Denmark 4.5% Ireland 4.5% Japan 4.5% New Zealand 4.5% South Africa 4.5% United Kingdom 4.5% United States Minor Outlying Islands 4.5%

What type of study abroad program are SU STEM choosing?

Answer Options 1st experience

Field Study program 4

Integrated University Study 8

Overseas Branch Campus 0

Study Abroad Center 1

Travel Seminar 8

Type of programs that SU students pursue:

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

1st experience 2nd experience 3rd experience 4th experience

14. Was/were your program(s) credit bearing or non-credit bearing?

I received credit for my majorduring this abroad program

I received credit for myminor/certificate during thisabroad program

I received elective credit duringthis abroad program

I did not receive credit during thisabroad program

Who or what resources were most influential when selecting your program? Please rank the top 3, with 1 being the most influential.

0.00 2.00 4.00 6.00 8.00 10.00 12.00

Study Abroad Advisor

Friends

Returned Student

Peer Advisor/Counselor

Faculty (Professor, Teaching Assistant,…

Academic advisor

Major advising sheets

Web site

Presentation

Open House

Info session

Study Abroad Fair

Other

What factors did you consider when choosing your program? Please rank the top 5, with 1 being the most important factor.

0.00 2.00 4.00 6.00 8.00 10.00 12.00 14.00

Classes that count toward major…Classes that count toward minor…

CostScholarship availability

LocationCoursework in English

Improve language abilityCultural immersion (chances to get…Research, Internship opportunitiesService or Volunteer opportunities

Ability to travel to other…Friends going on same programA certain type of housing (what…

Other

Support received from my home university for education abroad from the following resources

Answer Options Response Percent Response Count

Academic department: academic advisor or faculty support78.9% 15

Study Abroad Office: STEM Education Abroad Study Abroad

Advisor or study abroad advisor52.6% 10

Handouts/flyers: STEM major specific education abroad

advising sheets15.8% 3

Department website 21.1% 4

Study Abroad Office website 26.3% 5

STEM Education Abroad student resources: such as fairs,

workshops, and/or information sessions15.8% 3

Other (please specify) 0.0% 0

Skills gained abroad that can be applied toward current or future careers or academic pursuits:

Answer Options Response Percent Response Count

Communication Skills 63.6% 14

Ability to speak a foreign language 31.8% 7

Knowledge about another culture 95.5% 21

Awareness of political, economic or social

events around the world72.7% 16

Flexibility/Adaptability 72.7% 16

Tolerance/Open-mindedness 86.4% 19

Problem-solving 36.4% 8

Independence/Self-reliance and awareness 68.2% 15

Time management 50.0% 11

Internship or Research experiences 4.5% 1

Ability to network with diverse groups or

individuals40.9% 9

A better understanding of myself and future

goals50.0% 11

Self-confidence 77.3% 17

Taking Initiative 50.0% 11

Other/Comments: 1

Overall SU Findings

While the survey showed that faculty involvement is a key to encourage STEM students to participate in study abroad, results show that clear information and access to that information proved to be a useful alternative.

Study abroad advisors play a key part in encouraging STEM students to go abroad, especially for a semester.

STEM students when advised correctly can study abroad anywhere, taking general educational credits or language studies

Institutional Profile: Bucknell UniversityEnrollment Total student population: 3,600Undergraduate: 3,500Postgraduate: 100

Institutional TypePrivate/Residential

Academic ProfileCollege of Arts & SciencesCollege of EngineeringSchool of Management

Study Abroad Office StructureCentralized

Annual Student Mobility-Study Abroad474

*Upon graduation approximately 50% of Bucknell students study abroad.

Survey Findings: Bucknell University

Survey sent to 249 students

87 students replied

Time span: 2012-2014

Response

Pe rcent

Response

Count

43.4% 36

3.6% 3

43.4% 36

9.6% 8

What fie ld was/ is your co llege ma jo r in?

Mathematics

Science

Engineering

Answer Op tio ns

Technology

Survey Findings: Bucknell University

Specific 1st Major Replies from:

Computer Science & Engineering (5)

Electrical Engineering (2)

Environmental Studies (2)

Neuroscience (2)

Biomedical engineering (1)

Geology (1)

Civil & Environmental Engineering (17)

Biology (15)

Animal Behavior (13)

Mechanical Engineering (8)

Chemical Engineering (7)

Mathematics (7)

Survey Findings: Bucknell University

Gender

Race/Ethnicity

1st Gen

27.6%

72.4%

Male

FemaleWhite White 86.2%

Multiracial Multiracial 1.1%

Black or Black or African-American 3.4%

Asian Asian 8.0%

Other Other-Middle Eastern 1.1%

8.1%

91.9%

Yes-first generation college student

No

Survey Findings: Bucknell UniversityWhen does study abroad fit well into the student degree?

Survey Findings: Bucknell UniversityWhere did the BU STEM students study abroad?

Australia 9

United Kingdom 7

Ireland 7

Spain 7

New Zealand 6

Denmark 4

France 5

Italy 3

Tanzania 3

United States 1

Argentina 1

Barbados 1

China 1

Dominican Republic 1

Ecuador 1

Nicaragua 1

South Africa 1

Survey Findings: Bucknell UniversityWhat type of study abroad program are BU STEM choosing?

Answer Options #’s

Field Study program 19

Integrated University Study 36

Overseas Branch Campus 3

Study Abroad Center 15

Travel Seminar 3

Survey Findings: Bucknell University

Survey Findings: Bucknell University

Survey Findings: Bucknell University

Survey Findings: Bucknell UniversityI received support from my home university for education abroad from the following resources (please check all that apply):

Response

Pe rcent

79.3%

77.6%

8.6%

17.2%

34.5%

6.9%

3.4%

Handouts/flyers: STEM major specific education abroad advising sheets

Answer Op tions

Study Abroad Office website

Study Abroad Office: STEM Education Abroad Study Abroad Advisor or study abroad advisor

Other (please specify)

Department website

Academic department: academic advisor or faculty support

STEM Education Abroad student resources: such as fairs, workshops, and/or information sessions

Survey Findings: Bucknell University

Participation in an education abroad program contributed to (please check all that apply):

Re sp o nse

Pe rce nt

63.4%

43.9%

9.8%

63.4%

48.8%

43.9%

63.4%

22.0%

51.2%

58.5%

0.0%

Work sector (e.g. non-profit, private, or public)

Ability to speak a foreign language in the workplace

Answe r Op tio ns

Developing skills and intercultural competencies that contributed to obtaining

Ability to adapt in diverse workplace environments

Field of employment

The importance I place on having personal fulfillment from my work

Ability to formulate my career goals and clarify my personal aspirations

Developing my ability to understand an organization's culture

College major

The importance I place on working in a field that I find interesting

Other (please specify)

Survey Findings: Bucknell University

Overall BU Findings

Students feel supported by academic departments and study abroad office jointly

Students see value in study abroad towards their careers and connect them to global skills

Academic Departments and Advisors have shown interest in developing a deeper relationship to the study abroad office for in part the end result of supporting STEM students in education abroad

University of Wisconsin at Madison

Enrollment of UW MadisonTotal student population: 43,275Undergraduate: 29,504Graduate: 9,430Profession: 2,526Special: 1,815

Institutional TypePublic, Residential

Academic Profile13 Schools and CollegesRelevant to STEM majors: College of Agriculture and Life

Sciences; College of Engineering; College of Letters and Science; School of Medicine and Public Health, School of Pharmacy; School of Veterinary Medicine; School of Nursing

Study Abroad Office StructureMultiple study abroad offices within various schools and

colleges. International Academic Programs serves the largest student population, primarily Letters and Science students. Programs offered through IAP are reviewed and approved by a Faculty Advisory Committee

Annual Student Mobility-Study Abroad2013-14: 1475 students abroad through IAP2012-13: 1350 students abroad through IAP; 1718 UW-Madison

total

Institutional Profile

UW-Madison

Department of Homeland Security expanded list of STEM degrees in to identify majors

Survey sent to 1,297 STEM majors participating on an IAP program from Fall 2011 to Summer 2014

24% response rate

Survey Summary

UW-Madison

Gender

• 68% sent survey are female

• 76% responders are female

• 71% all majors through IAP are female

Survey Findings

Male

24%

Female

76%

UW-Madison

Race/Ethnicity

Does this reflect STEM make-upon campus?

Survey Findings

Green: survey response

Grey: all IAP program participants 2013-14

0.0%

10.0%

20.0%

30.0%

40.0%

50.0%

60.0%

70.0%

80.0%

90.0%

100.0%

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UW-Madison Highest Participation STEM majors:

• Biology • Psychology• Economics• Environmental Studies• Zoology• Biochemistry• Math

Survey Findings

Major Field

Science

Technology

Engineering

Mathematics

UW-Madison

Types of Programs

UW First Year Interest GroupsCeiba Field ProgramsSchool for Field StudiesDIS: DenmarkUniversity of LeedsUniversity of IcelandNational University of Singapore

Survey Findings

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

Field Study

program

Integrated

University Study

Overseas Branch

Campus

Study Abroad

Center

Travel Seminar

Students

UW-Madison

Where they are going

SpainItalyUnited KingdomAustraliaCosta RicaEcuadorIreland

Survey Findings

Location

Ireland

Ecuador

Costa Rica

Australia

United Kingdom

Italy

Spain

other

UW-Madison

Survey Findings

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

Term abroad

Students

When do they go abroad?

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

160

180

200

Freshman Sophomore Junior Senior

Status Abroad

UW-Madison

Credit

All classes on UW-Madison programs receive UWin-residence credit

Included in GPA

Survey Findings

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

160

1st experience 2nd experience 3rd experience

Type of credit abroad

I did not receive credit during

this abroad program

I received elective credit

during this abroad program

I received credit for my

minor/certificate during this

abroad program

I received credit for my major

during this abroad program

UW-Madison

Most Influential Factors

WebsiteFriendsSA AdvisorReturned Students

Survey Findings

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

160

Most Influential Factors

UW-Madison Skills Gained

•Knowledge about another culture

•Independence/Self-reliance

•Tolerance/Open-mindedness

•Flexibility

•Awareness of political, economic or social events around the world

•Self-confidence

Survey Findings

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

Skills Gained to Apply to Future Career or

Academics

UW-Madison

•My ability to adapt in diverse workplace environments

•My ability to formulate my career goals and clarify my personal aspirations

•My college major

•The importance I place on having personal fulfillment from my work

Survey Findings

Study Abroad Contributed to:

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

Participation Contributed to My:

Institutional Profile: Indiana UniversityEnrollment of IU-BloomingtonTotal student population: 46,817Undergraduate: 36,862Graduate: 9955

Institutional TypePublicResidential

Academic Profile15 Schools and CollegesRelevant to STIM majors: College of Arts and

Sciences; School of Informatics and Computing; School of Nursing; School of Public Health

Study Abroad Office StructureCentralized program approval process for IU

system, but multiple study abroad offices/coordinators within various schools and colleges and on IU regional campuses.

Annual Student Mobility-Study Abroad2286, IUB campus, 2900 system wide

Survey Findings: Indiana University

Used Department of Homeland Security expanded list of STEM degrees in to identify majors

Survey sent to 330 STEM majors participating on an OVST program from Fall 2011 to Summer 2014

30% response rate

Survey Findings: Gender

Gender: Male: 31.2 % of

respondents Female: 68.8% of

respondentsOverall participation rates:39% male, 61% female

Male

Female

Survey Findings: Race/Ethnicity

Race: White: 87.2% Asian: 11% Hispanic: 2.8% African American: 1.8% Multiracial: .9% Native American, Hawaiian

or Pacific Islander: .9%

White

Multiracial

Black or African-

American

Hispanic

Native Hawaiian or

Pacific Islander

Asian

Native American

Survey Findings: Indiana UniversityFIELD/MAJORS

Highest Participation STEM majors:86.5% of respondents were from science majors10.6% were from Tech fieldsIUB does not offer Engineering as a major

0.0%

10.0%

20.0%

30.0%

40.0%

50.0%

60.0%

70.0%

80.0%

90.0%

100.0%

Science Technology Engineering Mathematics

Survey Findings: Indiana University

Type of Program:1. Study Abroad Center2. Integrated University Study3. Field Study Program

Popular Programs for STEM students:• Tropical Biology programs to

Costa Rica and Grand Cayman (faculty-led)

• Direct enrollment options in Australia and England

• Wide variety of other programs

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

Field Study Integrated

University

Study

Overseas

Branch

Campus

Study

Abroad

Center

Travel

Seminar

Survey Findings: Indiana University

When are STEM students going abroad? Majority of

respondents (57 out of 86 for this question) are going abroad during their Junior year 0

10

20

30

40

50

60

Freshman Sophomore Junior Senior

Survey Findings: Indiana UniversityWhere are IU students going abroad?

Australia

Spain

Grand Cayman Islands (faculty-led)

Italy

Austria

Academic Credit 83 % of respondents earned

credit towards a major or minor

43% earned elective credit

5% participated on non-credit bearing experiences

Most Influential Resources and Factors

Top Resources:

Web site

Friends/Returned Students

Study Abroad Advisor

Faculty/Academic Advisors

Most Important Factors when choosing a program:

Location

Classes that count towards major/minor

Cost

Cultural Immersion

Outcomes

Top Skills gained:

Knowledge about another culture

Independence/Self-Reliance and awareness

Awareness of Political, Social and Economic events

0.0%

10.0%

20.0%

30.0%

40.0%

50.0%

60.0%

70.0%

80.0%

90.0%

100.0%

Outcomes Participation in a study abroad

program contributed to:

College Major

Ability to Formulate Career Goals and clarify my personal aspirations

Ability to adapt in diverse workplaces

0.0%

10.0%

20.0%

30.0%

40.0%

50.0%

60.0%

70.0%

80.0%

Academic Advisor Perspectives on STEM students studying abroad

Faculty Led Programs: Focus Australia and GalápaGOs

Consistent information sessions for faculty and students

GO Long semester programs which feature research and internships: Cyprus (Pre-Med Program) and Bioko Island (Drexel)

Coming soon: Dual degrees, expansion of abroad and domestic partnerships

Academic Advisor Perspectives on STEM Students Studying Abroad

BU Engineering Committee on International Education -engineering departments host own study abroad sessions

Study Abroad Major Advising Pages (MAPs)

BU Academic Departmental Liaisons Program for EA

FYIS: STEM & EA -connecting to larger university structure

Academic Advisor Perspectives on STEM students studying abroad

• Pre-Health, Biology, Wildlife Ecology, Zoology, Genetics & Environmental Studies supportive of semester programs

• Physical Sciences are more likely to support summer or short-term• Majors that are accredited by outside organizations are supportive,

but often direct students to summer or elective programs• Major advisors more open to exploring courses abroad for major than

college advisors• Engineering school has own programs, but directs to IAP for other

Engineering and elective programs• Faculty and advisor interest in research abroad opportunities

UW-Madison Academic Notes

Other Joint

Study Abroad Fair pre-session for STEM students

YouTube channel featuring STEM students or faculty who went abroad

Department website highlighting study abroad

Bulletin boards in advising office featuring Biology students

Arranging Study Abroad visits to Bio courses

Introduce departments to STEM program providers when visiting campus

Joint ActivitiesUW-Madison

Academic Advisor Perspectives on STEM students studying abroad

According to STIM advisors, curricular issues tend to be the most challenging:• In some cases, summer programs are easier for STIM

students to fit into their curriculum.• Some degree programs have more flexibility in

completing coursework abroad (example: Biology has 300/400 level lecture/lab requirements whereas Chemistry has more sequenced semesters)

• STIM students often looking for experiential components (research opportunities overseas)

Other Joint

Information Sessions for STEM students on study abroad options

Information Sessions for Informatics and Computer Science students

Major Fliers: Sciences, but also broken down by individual major

Department websites highlighting study abroad

Liaison role with academic advisors in STEM fields

Introduce departments to overseas partners when visiting campus

Joint ActivitiesIndiana University

Research/Resources for STEM & EA

IIE: Promoting Study Abroad in Science and Technology Fields: White Paper #5 in IIE's Policy Research Series

on Meeting America's Global Education Challenge

http://www.iie.org/en/Research-and-Publications/Publications-and-Reports/IIE-Bookstore/Promoting-Study-Abroad-in-Science-and-Technology-Fields

NAFSA Underrepresentation in Education Abroad Subcommitteehttp://www.nafsa.org/Find_Resources/Supporting_Study_Abroad/Network_Resources/Education_Abroad/Underrepresentation_in_Education_Abroad_Subcommittee

/

NAFSA Resources for Supporting Diversity in Education Abroad: (Under Represented Majors)http://www.nafsa.org/Find_Resources/Supporting_Study_Abroad/Resources_for_Supporting_Diversity_in_Education_Abroad/

Diversity in Education Abroad Task Forces

http://www.diversitynetwork.org/uncategorized/dan-task-forces

Resources Developed to support EA and STEM

NAFSA Connecting Our World Grassroots Leadership Program: Increasing Study Abroad Participation for STEM Students at Bucknell University

http://www.connectingourworld.org/files/Grassroots_Leadership_J_Fritz.pdf

http://www.connectingourworld.org/get-involved/grassroots-leadership-program/grassroots-leadership-program-reports/

• Creates action plan to address STEM EA Underrepresentation

NAFSA Region VIII: Science, Engineering, Technology, and Mathematics (STEM) Education Abroad (EA) Mini Conference

http://www.nafsa.org/Connect_and_Network/Engage_with_a_Community/NAFSA_Regions/Region_VIII/Conference/STEM_Mini_Conference/

• Conference created to support education abroad professionals seeking to advocate for STEM students in Education Abroad

Discussion/Questions

Please take a few minutes to share some best practices or innovative STEM related programs from your own campuses with those around you.

Our contact information

• Christina Dinges, Study Away AdvisorOffice of Cross-Cultural ProgramsSusquehanna Universitydinges@susqu.edu570-372-4692

• Jennifer Ellis Fritz, Associate DirectorOffice of International EducationBucknell Universityjef025@bucknell.edu570-577-3743

• Erica Haas-Gallo, Study Abroad AdvisorInternational Academic Programs University of Wisconsin-Madisonhaasgallo@studyabroad.wisc.edu608-261-1020

• Katie Saur, Assistant DirectorOffice of Overseas StudyIndiana Universitykbsaur@iu.edu812-855-7588