Perhaps they are in the area of studying abroad. Though many an American student has waxed poetic about experiencing college in the beauty of far-away lands, not very many seem to be doing so.

Students in 'sub-African' nations, for example, far exceed North American students in numbers when it comes to studying abroad.


Between 1999 and 2004, the number of mobile students worldwide surged by 41 per cent from 1.75 million to 2.5 million, according to the Digest, which says this "reflects the rapid and overall expansion of high education."

"What this report shows is that the real dynamic in tertiary education is coming from African, Arab and Chinese students," says Institute Director Hendrik van der Pol. "They are the driving force behind the internationalization of higher education."

Why do you think there is such a difference? Are North American students less motivated to explore, or is it something else? Have you ever studied abroad? Would you like to?

(Image Source: SMU)