Suggestions for One Ambitious Soph

[gibby]

^^ Harvard has about 6400 undergraduate students enrolled full time on campus each semester and LESS than 100 of them are abroad during any one semester: http://www.thecrimson.com/article/2014/2/13/why-not-study-abroad/

The OIE estimates that only between 50 and 90 students choose to travel abroad per semester. This year, there were 64 during the fall term and 68 during the spring term.

Most Harvard student’s travel abroad during the summer and are doing so for college credit, not necessarily humanitarian work: http://oie.fas.harvard.edu

According to the Office of International Education, over 400 students participate in Harvard Summer School Abroad programs each year, and close to 1,000 are funded by the Office of Career Services for a significant international experience during the summer.

The Office of International Education (OIE) works with undergraduate students who are planning for a significant academic year, term, or summer international experience. We work with students to research and plan for their time abroad, provide support during their international experience, and ensure that their re-entry process goes smoothly. We are guided by the academic standards of Harvard College, work in close collaboration with various academic departments, area centers, and other advising offices on campus.

1000/6400 does NOT add up to be 60%, so I’m assuming that Harvard is getting that 60% figure by including many students from affluent families who travel abroad during the summer for pleasure.