U.S. EDUCATION ABROAD: Historical Perspectives, Emerging Trends, and Changing Narratives

This chapter provides a concise overview of development and begins with a brief discussion of the growth and expansion of US Because US education abroad programming has grown and evolved, it reflects on the changing rationale for why US institutions have invested in education abroad and the key political, economic, cultural and social, and academic drivers that have shaped its direction and scope. The chapter concludes with a forward-looking perspective of the major issues and challenges ahead for the development and evolution of education abroad programming and practice. While education abroad programming continues to be shaped by cultural/social drivers, a primary focus today is on allowing this to continue but within a broad safety net of educating students to minimize and manage risk, and assurances that the health, safety, security, and risk management protocols are in place.