ABSTRACT. Studies supported by the U.S. Department of State indicate that in 2008–2009 less than 1.5 percent of the 18 million American higher education students participated in study abroad, and that the greatest numbers of those participating in study abroad are doctoral students. That most study abroad takes place at the graduate level is not surprising given that researchers are inclined to seek international connections as the evaluation of the work they do is carried out by colleagues scattered around the world, so their efforts are subject to a natural deterritorialization. This study proposes ways in which existing international research collaborations might be leveraged in order to increase the number of undergraduate students having substantive study abroad experiences. By examining the characteristics of successful exchange programs and identifiable pitfalls for such programs, this study proposes an incremental course of study for students participating in exchange programs that will make the study abroad experience accessible to traditionally under-represented populations while integrating foreign exchange in the undergraduate educational experience. pp. 47–55

Keywords: study abroad, academic exchange, educational experience