Idea 9: develop creative partnerships with the private sector to raise funds, increase public awareness and link study abroad to careers

Rather than simply looking at the private sector for money, explore ways to involve a diverse group with the campaign. Look for ways to promote the private sector and involve it and its leadership as outspoken advocates for study abroad.

  • Encourage university trustees to help broker partnerships with the private sector.
  • Identify corporations with interests overseas to explore funding or internships that would be mutually beneficial.
  • Enlist the support of corporations to provide short-term work visas for U.S. students to gain work experience as part of their study abroad time. 
  • Encourage business schools to reach out to alumni and business leaders to incorporate “global” as part of the curriculum.
  • Identify high-level business leaders to incorporate a message about the importance of international education, study abroad, and global awareness for future workers in their public statements.
  • Host a Generation Study Abroad Think Tank with only the private sector to generate insight, interest and involvement in making a difference on both a local and national level.

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This blog entry summarizes Idea 9 of 11 “Big Ideas” brainstormed during IIE’s Generation Study Abroad Think Tank event in March 2014. They are compiled in the IIE Green Paper, “What will it take to Double Study Abroad?”