American Institute For Foreign Study

Press Release

For Immediate Release
September 20, 2010

Media Contact: Mike Liberty
American Institute For Foreign Study
River Plaza, 9 West Broad St.
Stamford, CT 06902-3788
(203) 399-5187
mliberty@aifs.com
www.aifs.com

PROPOSAL TO DOUBLE MINORITY STUDENT PARTIPATION IN STUDY ABROAD BY 2020 ANNOUNCED AT WORKSHOP

Washington, D.C. – A call to double minority student participation in overseas education programs was announced today at a workshop attended by 120 study abroad leaders from colleges, universities and national organizations.

The proposal was presented by William L. Gertz, President and CEO of the American Institute For Foreign Study (AIFS), a leading study abroad organization.

The workshop at the National Press Club was sponsored by AIFS andDiversity Abroad. Co-sponsors were the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU), the National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education (NAFEO), and the Institute of International Education (IIE).

"Despite best efforts from those in the field, minority participation in study abroad has grown very little in recent years" said Gertz, whose organization was founded in 1964. "While more students than ever are studying abroad, participation by African Americans, Latino Americas and multi-racial students combined, has increased less than 2% in the last 15 years. Overall, minorities represent less than 10% of all students who participate in overseas programs."

"I think it is time for a new direction – to set a goal of doubling minority participation by 2020 and work towards this goal. This will require a permanent coalition of organizations, funding support by the government and the private sector—and a change in campus study abroad outreach. We have had a national dialogue on this issue for more than 20 years; it's time to take action on a larger scale. If we don't, minority participation in study abroad will continue to remain stagnant."

The meeting included round table discussions on plans currently in place to increase diversity as well as new and creative initiatives that will further spark minority participation in study abroad.

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About the American Institute for Foreign Study
Founded in 1964, the American Institute For Foreign Study is one of the oldest, largest, and most respected cultural exchange organizations in the world. With global offices in 15 countries, AIFS organizes cultural exchange programs for more than 50,000 participants each year. AIFS programs include college study abroad, au pair placement, camp counselors and staff, gifted education, high school study/travel, and insurance services. Since 1964, more than one million students and teachers have participated in AIFS programs worldwide. www.aifs.com

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