Participation in Summer Study Abroad Increases, New Research From StudyAbroad.com Reveals

CHESTER, PA–(Marketwire – August 24, 2010) –  Fewer American students elected to study abroad during the school year in 2010 and instead have headed overseas this summer to study abroad, according to new research from StudyAbroad.com. In a recent survey of study abroad program providers and universities, StudyAbroad.com found that participation in summer 2010 was highest of all study periods this year. Additionally, when comparing interest in study abroad periods for the last three years, respondents reported that the summer study period experienced the largest increase in interest and 44 percent indicated an increase over participation in summer study abroad since last year.

“Our summer programs have always been popular, but this year we’ve seen a noticeable increase in participation over semester programs,” said Alcidean Arias, Assistant Director of Study Abroad at Truman State University. “Students seem to be more concerned about taking time away during the academic school year, either for financial reasons or because they are afraid they will be unable to get the courses they need to graduate on time if they are abroad fall or spring semester.” 

“Summer study abroad is allowing me to have a study abroad experience without having to worry about missing a semester of school and potentially falling behind in my credits,” said Andrea Kimbrell, a sophomore from Emerson College currently studying in London. “By studying in the summer I am also able to take fewer classes than I would have in a full semester, giving me more time to explore England as well as surrounding countries.”

“As a resource for students considering international study, we often get a sense of trends as they develop. We have been seeing a steady increase in interest in summer study abroad programs and were curious to see if participation reflected that same trend,” said Joshua Irons from StudyAbroad.com. “Our research confirmed that students are choosing summer over other study abroad periods, a shift from the stereotypical study abroad experience most would expect.” 

StudyAbroad.com is a web resource of EducationDynamics which offers information on more than 18,000 study abroad programs. The survey of study abroad program providers and universities was conducted in June 2010.

About StudyAbroad.com
StudyAbroad.com is a web resource of EducationDynamics and the Internet’s leading source of information on educational opportunities for students to study in other countries. It is a comprehensive directory of study abroad and intensive language programs organized by subject and destination. Currently information on more than 18,000 study abroad programs is available and more than two million students visit StudyAbroad.com annually. StudyAbroad.com also offers Destination Portal Pages, a handbook serving as a guide to traveling abroad; Blog Abroad, a blog that chronicles the experiences of students as they study abroad; and financial aid information. To learn more, visit www.StudyAbroad.com.

About EducationDynamics
EducationDynamics is higher education’s leading marketing information and technology services company dedicated to helping institutions find, enroll and retain students. Its content-rich and highly visible education websites, including EarnMyDegree.com, eLearners.com, GradSchools.com, StudyAbroad.com, EducationConnection.com and its more than 50 special interest microsites, make EducationDynamics the premier provider of qualified prospective students for colleges and universities. In addition, the company offers a full suite of Web-delivered services proven to drive enrollment growth and reduce student attrition. Through its Market Research and Advisory Services, the company brings a decade of proprietary research, unparalleled market and student intelligence and best practice insights to its clients. For more information, visit www.educationdynamics.com.