UNL Education Abroad Increasing study abroad participation in the sciences

UNL study abroad participation, By the primary major students listed Biology/Life Sciences/Pre-Med: 8% [65] Chemistry:.4% [4] Physics:.1% [1] Math:.8% [7] Other science:.7% [6] TOTAL science student participation: 10% [83] Social Sciences: 10% [82] Engineering: 6% [47] College of Business: 14% [111] Agriculture: 8% [65] Other: 41% [335] Unknown Major: 11% [87]

Is funding a pre-requisite? In my belief, no. –Numerous funding sources already exist; many of these would favor science majors as “under-represented” students –We have not seen an overwhelming demand from science students asking for funding –Science majors are likely to earn larger salaries than other majors after graduation

So, why aren’t they going abroad? Perception of U.S. as best place to study Graduation requirements Grad school requirements Research opportunities Gender gap Cultural “blindspot”

Case study: Math & Science Abroad Fair at University of Oregon Strong student interest and enthusiasm Main barriers to study abroad: –Rigid course sequences –Grad school requirements –Lack of foreign language skills –Lack of research opportunities abroad

Barriers to engaging science faculty Tenure requirements Research duties Institutional inertia Perception of study abroad as ‘not relevant’ to science students Lack of personal experiences abroad

Opportunities to overcome barriers? Engage professional departmental advisors Find faculty champions and create a long-term relationship Ask to be involved in curriculum development or periodic overhauls of undergrad degree requirements Educate about importance of cross-cultural communication skills in the sciences Communicate about excellent study and research opportunities Send faculty abroad!

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