Financing Study Abroad: An Exploration of the Influence of Financial Factors on Student Study Abroad Patterns

Abstract

This study examines the role of financial aid variables, namely, student loan and grant amounts, expected family contribution, and financial need, on the decision to study abroad among students in the University System of Georgia. Findings indicate that, generally, student loans negatively influence the likelihood of a student studying abroad whereas grant aid increases the likelihood. Students with higher levels of expected family contribution are less likely to participate in study abroad, as are those with more financial need. This study adds to our knowledge of factors that predict student study abroad participation in that it accounts for financial factors that have not yet been examined in the study abroad literature. Findings have important implications for students, study abroad practitioners, and institutions alike in terms of student access to international experiences, and also point to several directions for future research on the influence of students’ finances on their international educational experiences.