Global Experiences Are One Way to Make a Four-Year Degree “Worth It”

Questions about value are increasingly at the forefront of higher education discussions, with parents and students asking what universities are doing to make the cost of a college education “worth it.”

Forward-thinking schools are leaning into new ways to innovate and explore various approaches to optimize the value equation for students. One example comes from Elon University, a midsized private university in North Carolina, which has spent years researching what makes college “worth it” through the university’s Center for Engaged Learning. Elon’s research suggests that colleges and universities should employ their campuses not just as places to deepen students’ appreciation for learning, but as catalysts that expose and prepare undergraduates for real-world jobs and rigorous postgraduate studies.

One way Elon operationalizes this research is through a commitment to immersive global experiences that can include international internship opportunities. For Elon, these real-world, global experiences are one effective answer to the value question. They offer a meaningful path for students to build confidence and take steps toward ensuring a successful career, while also pursuing opportunities for dynamic and well-rounded growth that might only exist during the formative years on a college campus.

Despite the power that study abroad programs and international internships bring to career and real-world readiness, survey data shows that only a small percentage of college students study abroad each year, and even fewer have international work experience. That’s not the case at Elon, where nearly 88% graduate with one or more study abroad experiences. This percentage is even higher when including Elon's Study USA programs, which bring students to Los Angeles, New York and other major cities.

Study abroad and internships have been designated by Elon as part of the five high-impact educational practices that make up the Elon Experiences. With intentionality and a strong commitment to providing 100% access to study-away opportunities, Elon encourages participation in its wide array of global programs through scholarships for students who cannot afford the additional cost of international study and innovative opportunities such as a team-based study abroad option for Elon student-athletes and flexible study away experiences for students juggling multiple academic priorities.

As a result of this focus, Elon has been recognized with the highest percentage of students studying abroad for nearly 20 years by the Institute of International Education. For employers increasingly seeking adaptable professionals with a global vision and well-developed critical thinking skills, Elon undergrads are well-positioned for the most competitive jobs and graduate programs.

As the debate about the value of a four-year degree continues, colleges and universities that adapt their offerings to provide meaningful support for both the academic and career goals of their students will rise above the noise. Study abroad opportunities and international internship experiences are just some ways in which institutions will be able to confidently say, “College is worth it.”

For more information on the benefits of engaged learning through study abroad experiences, visit Elon University’s Isabella Cannon Global Engagement Center.

This content was paid for and created by Elon University. The editorial staff at The Chronicle had no role in its preparation. Find out more about paid content.