To the Editor: While I agree that young people should travel abroad, not everyone can. Nicholas Kristof claims that “there’s a misconception that gap years or study-abroad opportunities are feasible only for the affluent,” but what Mr. Kristof calls “free” options require participants to pay program fees and travel expenses and, of course, make a significant time commitment. What he doesn’t acknowledge is that there is an access gap for young people who come from low socioeconomic status families or underrepresented populations or who are first-generation college students. In a 2012 study, Georgia State University sociologists reported that students’ awareness and perception of study abroad, social networks and cultural capital are critical factors shaping their international experiences. I congratulate Nicole Sganga, winner of Mr. Kristof’s 2014 “win a trip” contest; her background and experience clearly make her an outstanding choice. MICHAEL J. KIMBALL Greeley, Colo., March 17, 2014 The writer is an associate professor of anthropology at the University of Northern Colorado.
Posted on: Thu, 20 Mar 2014 18:50:26 +0000
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