Investment in students of both genders is improving, but the brain drain, or migration of intelligent students from Africa to Europe and North America, is a major roadblock to community development. “People think it’s better to travel so far to find [the career] they want,” says Houma. “Cameroon is losing well-educated people who could do something for their country.”

College around the world certainly has its cultural and circumstantial differences, but, like their American counterparts, industrious women on all continents are making their mark on the university scene—carving out careers, dealing with financial problems and enjoying the fun of on-campus camaraderie. After all, it is a small world.

Statistics from UNESCO.

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