To understand study abroad today, it must be put into historical context as a component of global education and U.S. higher education that connects to student success and retention. First, there is data showing positive correlation between student success, retention, and study abroad. Second, the volume of students studying abroad is increasing, which is aligned to an expanding breadth of academic disciplines offered (i.e., STEM, internships) as well as an increase of diversity of students (i.e., First Generation, non-traditional, and higher minority participation rates.