Researcher: Jennifer Aguayo  Mentor: Dr. Nicole Lamers  TRiO Ronald E. McNair Scholars Program, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Examining Study Abroad Participation in Illinois Promise Students: Preliminary Study on Obstacles to Participation for Low-income, Minority Students Acknowledgments Dr. Nicole Lamers, International Education Specialist, LAS Illinois Promise TRiO McNair Scholars Program Future Research  Focusing on first-generation students only  Including low-income Whites in the sample Problem & Research Questions Problem: Participation in study abroad programs lack diversity of racial minorities from low–income backgrounds. Research Questions: What are the factors that influence I- Promise students’ decision not to study abroad? Which factors hold the most weight? Background Illinois Promise is an access scholarship program initiated in 2005 to provide high-achieving, low- income students an opportunity to attend the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Educational expenses including tuition, fees, room and board, books and supplies are covered. In addition, enrichment programs are offered to foster student success. Preliminary Findings National Study Abroad Participation Trends Study Abroad Trends by Race I-Promise Seniors’ Participation in Study Abroad Literature Review Recurring themes in influencing factors for study abroad participation in low- income, minorities: Research Design This study will use qualitative and quantitative methods to analyze factors that influence students’ decision when considering study abroad.  Sample  This study samples minority students within Illinois Promise due to the high concentration of minorities and their low-income status.  Survey  Unipolar & Bipolar scales  “To what degree is a study abroad experience significant to an undergraduate education?”  “I would feel comfortable traveling to another country without my family.”  Interview  “Do you feel that study abroad is relevant to your personal goals? Your academic goals? Professional goals?”  “Have you ever considered studying abroad? Why/ Why not?” Charts from the Illinois Promise Annual Report We cannot assume that the students will seek out information from the traditional sources or that the students will necessarily enter the institution valuing such experiences. (Martinez et al., 2009) The “typical” study abroad student: White Female Major in the Humanities Highly educated parents The “typical” study abroad student: White Female Major in the Humanities Highly educated parents Contact Information Jennifer Aguayo Undergraduate at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign  Institutional factors  Famillial factors  Personal factors  Institutional factors  Famillial factors  Personal factors Institutional obstacles include: Lack of minority faculty leading study abroad programs (Salisbury et al., 2010) Lack of relevant study abroad programs (Brux & Fry, 2010) Lack of information about study abroad (Norfles, 2003) Institutional obstacles include: Lack of minority faculty leading study abroad programs (Salisbury et al., 2010) Lack of relevant study abroad programs (Brux & Fry, 2010) Lack of information about study abroad (Norfles, 2003) The National Survey of Student Engagement (2007)