According to the latest “Open Doors” survey of international conducted annually by the Institute of International Education., the number of international students at U.S. universities increased 7.2 percent in 2012-13 to an all-time high of 819,644. The number of Americans studying abroad grew to 283,332 in 2011-12, representing a 3.4 percent increase over the previous year.

Inside Higher Education recently discussed a new program called Generation Study Abroad:

More than 150 U.S. colleges have pledged to increase their study abroad participation rates as part of a new national initiative, Generation Study Abroad, being spearheaded by the Institute of International Education. The initiative has the exceedingly ambitious aim of doubling American study abroad enrollment, to about 600,000, by the end of the decade. According to IIE data, just under 10 percent of American undergraduates currently study abroad during the course of their degrees.

Should you encourage your student to study abroad? The easiest way to decide is to weigh the pros and cons.

Pros

Cultural Experience

Any study abroad student will have a unique cultural experience. This is something they can’t have if they remain in the states. Becoming immersed in a foreign culture offers them a new perspective on life and enhances their view of the world.

Enhances the degree

When students study abroad, they will study subjects that might not be taught in their college or university. These courses are often unique to the country they are studying in. It’s also an opportunity to study with students from another country.

Broadens their employment eligibility

Students can add significant value to their resumes simply by studying abroad. In the competitive market of entry-level jobs, most resumes look more or less the same. The interest in multiculturalism that studying abroad suggests can make your student’s resume stand out from the pack. It also shows the ability to adapt to a new environment and take on new and challenging situations – all green flags for potential employers.

Encourages independence

More than attending college away from home, attending college in a foreign country helps students learn to survive on their own and mature in the process. Studying abroad teaches them how to manage time, money and other resources in a way that nothing else can. A child who studies abroad doesn’t just take classes in another country. They learn about a whole new way of life and that better prepares them for “the adult world” once they return home.

Opportunities to travel

It’s a great way to see the world. College is the perfect time for a young person to get out and see the world by experiencing different kinds of cultures including food, music and architecture. It will create lasting memories for the rest of their lives.

Cons

Cost

Study aboard can be costly. Most colleges offer the programs as part of the regular tuition, room and board but it won’t include travel or day to day expenses. Colleges, however, describe plans such as increasing fund-raising for study abroad scholarships, introducing a study abroad scholarship tied to student fee income, and promoting the Gilman Scholarship Program, which supports study abroad for Pell Grant recipients. With these added initiative, the cost might not be prohibitive.

Language Barrier

Some students might be afraid of the language barrier, studying abroad at schools that often teach in the native language. On the positive side, living and participating in the culture will help them learn the language more quickly.

Delays graduation timeline

It’s not uncommon for study abroad programs to delay graduation by a semester or more. It’s important to investigate the course offerings before making the decision to study abroad during the school year. If the credits are not a part of your degree plan you will have to take courses after returning home to make up for the time you lost while abroad. One way to avoid this is to attend during a summer program.

Mom-Approved Tip

For most students, study abroad is a positive experience. And with the college’s help, it can be affordable. Many students who study abroad gain a world view unlike any of the students who opted out of the programs. My daughter and many of her friends participated in a study abroad program offered by her college. The program was coordinated with the degree plan and she was able to stay on track for graduation in four years. She considers it to be one of the most beneficial aspects of her liberal arts education. Since then, she has become a world traveler and enjoys experiencing other cultures. If you can swing it, encourage your student to explore the study abroad program. Weighing the pros and cons, the pros win!