Despite a Chronicle of Higher Education article reporting that women are more likely to study abroad than men, Sarah Spencer, director of St. Thomas’ study abroad program, said there has been an increase in male participants over the last three years.

The article reported that in the 2009-2010 academic year, women accounted for nearly two-thirds of the 270,600 American students studying abroad and that the proportion of men studying overseas has remained the same for more than two decades.

Nationally, figures may have plateaued, but St. Thomas has seen a 5 percent increase in male students studying abroad.

“Three years ago… we were at about 63 percent women and 37 percent men,” Spencer said. “But last year we were at 58 percent women and 42 percent men.”

Because the university’s male participation has increased, St. Thomas’ study abroad program has a few programs where men actually outnumber the women.

“Our Catholic studies semester in Rome program… that’s 40 percent women and 60 percent men,” Spencer said. “That is because of the number of St. John Vianney participants in the program.”

The CHE article stated that a University of Iowa study found that the more men interacted with their peers, the less likely they were to go abroad. The study said peer interaction did not have the same effect on women.

Sophomore Brigitte Jaeger said one reason St. Thomas might see more men abroad is the option to study for a shorter amount of time.

“I think it’s partially because St. Thomas offers J-Terms; it’s a shorter commitment,” Jaeger said.

Senior David Hackworthy said he didn’t consult his peers when he decided to enroll in his study abroad programs and feels he gained more than an education from the experience.

“I didn’t know anyone going into it, but came out with some of my best friends in my life today from across the U.S. and in Jordan,” Hackworthy said.

However, junior Patrick McNeil said he went on the London business semester trip with a group of male friends he met at St. Thomas.

“I had about 10 friends going, but when you’re making that long of a commitment, it really is kind of your own decision,” McNeil said.

Spencer said she believes that the St. Thomas study abroad program is successful in allowing all students the option of studying abroad.

“I’m very pleased that we are more balanced in our male to female study abroad ratio than the national average,” Spencer said. “Our goal is to make sure that students have an opportunity to study abroad no matter what their year is, where they’re participating or what their gender is.”

Olivia Cronin can be reached at cron2722@stthomas.edu.

Graphic created by Katie Souba.