A new report from the Institute of International Education takes a close look at community colleges and study abroad. And the findings are fairly bleak.

Although interest in study abroad has grown significantly in recent years among students, only 3 percent of those who go abroad are enrolled at community colleges.

The report, “Expanding Education Abroad at U.S. Community Colleges,” outlines some barriers to participation and offers a few suggestions. The report culls data from the institute’s annual “Open Doors” report and a small survey of community colleges conducted this past spring.

The report notes that many study-abroad programs at community colleges are faculty-led, and a majority of their students who go abroad — 76 percent — travel for eight weeks or less.

A snapshot survey of 61 institutions conducted by the institute and California Colleges for International Education found that student costs and fees were considered “critical” challenges to participation by 83 percent of respondents. Budget cuts and limited resources were listed by 53 percent. And a lack of high-level institutional support was noted by 35 percent.

The paper argues that community-college leaders need to show more support for study abroad, noting that a previous survey found that 80 percent of community colleges did not include internationalization as a top priority in their strategic plans.

Institutional spending is also critical, the report concludes, urging campuses to develop long-term, multiyear plans that support staff levels and program development. —Beth McMurtrie