A recent project by Brigham Young University (BYU) students aims to address the critical question: Are we maximizing our global potential? The inquiry was at the heart of a two-semester initiative led by Bryton Wood and his team on the Student Advisory Council (SAC).
The SAC, a student-led group that works closely with faculty and staff to enhance the student experience, concentrated its efforts on expanding access to study abroad opportunities. Over the course of several months, the team gathered feedback from both faculty and students, conducting extensive research and surveys while brainstorming potential solutions.
While BYU has long been recognized as a national leader in international involvement—ranking number one in the nation for foreign experiences according to Open Doors—Wood and his team believe more can be done to further elevate BYU’s global impact and align with the university’s new guiding theme: “For the Benefit of the World.”
BYU has significant untapped potential in fostering international engagement. Approximately 65% of BYU students are proficient in a foreign language, largely due to missionary service and other programs. Additionally, the university offers courses in 73 languages and a wide array of international studies majors and minors. However, despite these resources, only 17% of the student body participates in study abroad programs.
Wood emphasized that the language skills and cultural fluency of BYU students would be underutilized if more opportunities for international service were not made available. He and his team argue that it is vital for the university to expand these opportunities to better serve both the BYU community and the global population.
The project aligns with a larger mission outlined by university leaders, who stress the importance of equipping students to serve both at home and abroad as the global reach of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints continues to grow. “As the church continues to grow globally, the need for [Christ’s] disciples to be more globally minded and competent is extremely crucial,” the team wrote in their project proposal.
Lynn Elliott, Associate Director of International Study Programs, shared how his own study abroad experience had a life-changing impact. “I’m confident that almost every student would learn a lot by spending some time outside their comfort zone in a foreign place,” he said.
Wood also spoke about his transformative study abroad experience in Poland, which gave him greater confidence and the skills necessary to work internationally. The opportunity also allowed him to interact with and serve members of his church community.
Despite the benefits, barriers remain that prevent many students from pursuing these opportunities. One of the most significant challenges is the cost associated with study abroad programs. Team member Ainsley Gearhart noted the financial strain she faced when funding her own study abroad trip, emphasizing the difficulty many students face in managing the expenses.
While the high cost is a real concern, Elliott believes it can be overcome. “Sometimes that’s the excuse, not the reason,” he said, arguing that when students are determined, they can find ways to make study abroad a reality.
To address these challenges, Wood and his team are focused on making the process of studying abroad more accessible. They have proposed the creation of a tool on MyBYU that would help students identify programs that align with their academic and career goals. If prioritized by university leadership, such tools could be available within the next few years, along with potential increases in funding to meet rising demand.
In the meantime, the team encourages BYU students to explore study abroad options through the Kennedy Center and to take advantage of available scholarship opportunities. They also hope that faculty members will actively promote relevant programs within their departments, helping to raise awareness of the global learning experiences available to students.
